For residents of India's tech capital, Bengaluru's traffic congestion is more than just a nuisance; it's a defining aspect of daily life, a topic of endless discussion blending frustration with dark humour. A recent social media experiment has captured this universal experience perfectly, showcasing a real-time race between two friends using different modes of transport.
The Challenge: A Friendly Bet on Bengaluru's Roads
The video, shared on Instagram by user Cassy Pereira, begins with a casual conversation. Pereira's friend, Harshit, remarks, "Bangalore traffic is wild!" To this, Pereira confidently disagrees. This simple exchange sparks a challenge: a race from Whitefield to the popular MG Road. Pereira chooses his electric Chetak scooter, advocating for comfort and control, while Harshit opts for the Namma Metro, heading first to the Singayyanpalya station.
The clock starts, and the video splits to follow both journeys simultaneously. Harshit's metro experience is immediately marked by crowds, with him noting there was "literally no place to stand" in the coach. Meanwhile, Pereira navigates the city streets on his scooter, initially making good time before hitting the inevitable snarl.
Weather Woes and Worsening Congestion
As Pereira's ride progresses, Bengaluru's traffic lives up to its notorious reputation. The roads become heavily congested, forcing him to weave through vehicles. "I had to channel my inner Shivajinagar to beat the traffic," he comments, referencing a famously busy area. To add insult to injury, the city's unpredictable weather intervenes. A sudden downpour turns the commute wet and slower, prompting Pereira to quip, "If Bangalore traffic wasn't enough, Bangalore weather happened too."
In contrast, Harshit's metro journey, while crowded, remains unaffected by the rain or road conditions outside, offering a shielded passage through the city's heart.
The Revealing Finish at MG Road
After approximately 45 minutes, Harshit calmly arrives at MG Road metro station. He casually walks to the meeting point at Corner House, an iconic ice cream parlour. Pereira, still on the road, is convinced he has won, stating upon his eventual arrival, "I finally made it, and I'm pretty sure Harshit isn't even here."
The reality, however, is starkly different. Harshit is already waiting, holding a melted ice cream—a silent but powerful testament to how much longer the scooter journey took. The visual proof is undeniable. Conceding defeat, Pereira ends the video with the same phrase he initially disputed: "Bangalore traffic is wild."
Social Media Echoes a Collective Sentiment
The video resonated deeply with netizens, amassing views and comments filled with shared experiences. Users found the experiment a relatable depiction of their daily struggles. One comment read, "This city is borderline against us at this point," while another succinctly stated, "This is why I stay home." The clip succeeded not through exaggeration but by simply holding a mirror to a common urban reality, demonstrating how commute choices directly impact time and stress levels in Bengaluru.
Disclaimer: This report is based on a social media video shared by Cassy Pereira on Instagram and the subsequent public reactions. The claims, timelines, and experiences shown are from the original video.
