Bengaluru's major exit routes witnessed significant traffic congestion on Saturday, December 28, as the Christmas holiday period effectively stretched into the weekend. The city's notorious traffic snarls returned with full force, particularly on highways leading out of the tech capital, as a large number of residents embarked on post-Christmas travel or returned from short vacations.
Key Highways Bearing the Brunt of Congestion
The traffic pile-ups were most pronounced on the crucial Hosur Road (NH 44), a primary corridor towards Tamil Nadu, and the Tumakuru Road (NH 48), which connects to northern Karnataka and beyond. Visual reports and traffic updates from the ground confirmed long queues of vehicles moving at a snail's pace. The congestion was not limited to these two arteries; other major roads like Ballari Road and Mysuru Road also reported heavier-than-usual traffic volumes throughout the day.
The phenomenon was largely attributed to the timing of the Christmas holiday. With Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year, many individuals and families chose to take a few additional days off, effectively creating a prolonged break that merged with the Saturday and Sunday weekend. This created a perfect storm for travel, with people both leaving the city late and returning over the weekend, leading to a two-way surge in vehicle movement.
Traffic Police on Alert and Advisory for Commuters
Authorities were closely monitoring the situation. The Bengaluru Traffic Police were actively managing the flow and providing real-time updates to help motorists navigate the delays. While no major accidents were reported that significantly exacerbated the jams, the sheer volume of cars, buses, and trucks was the primary culprit.
Commuters and travelers were advised to plan their journeys with extra time in hand, considering the unpredictable delays. The traffic served as a stark reminder of Bengaluru's perennial struggle with road congestion, especially during festive seasons and long weekends when outbound travel peaks.
A Recurring Urban Challenge
This weekend's traffic scenario underscores a recurring challenge for Bengaluru. The city's infrastructure often struggles to cope with the massive exodus and return of people during holiday periods. The incident on December 28 highlights how a single public holiday, when combined with a weekend, can lead to widespread logistical headaches for thousands of citizens.
For those planning travel in the coming days, especially with the New Year's weekend approaching, authorities suggest checking traffic police social media handles for updates and considering alternative travel times if possible. The experience from the post-Christmas weekend is likely to repeat, prompting calls for better traffic management plans and infrastructure resilience to handle seasonal peaks.
