The Bengaluru traffic police have issued a comprehensive advisory as the city prepares for significant traffic congestion on June 21, 2026, when the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) undergraduate exam coincides with several mega events. Commuters and students have been urged to plan travel well in advance and follow traffic advisories to avoid delays.
NEET Exam and Event Overlap
On Sunday, June 21, approximately 25,000 students are expected to appear for the NEET exam across 50 examination centers in Bengaluru. Simultaneously, the city will host a major political rally at Palace Grounds, a cultural festival at Cubbon Park, and a corporate marathon in the central business district. The overlapping events are projected to draw over 1,00,000 participants and spectators, creating unprecedented traffic pressure.
According to the Bengaluru Traffic Police, over 1,200 traffic personnel will be deployed across key junctions and routes. Additional traffic marshals and quick-response teams will be stationed near exam centers and event venues. The police have also arranged for towing vehicles to clear any breakdowns or unauthorized parking promptly.
Key Traffic Restrictions and Diversions
From 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, several major roads will be subject to restrictions. The Outer Ring Road (ORR) from Hebbal to Silk Board will see intermittent closures for the marathon. Vehicles heading towards Palace Grounds will be diverted via Bellary Road and Mekhri Circle. Cubbon Park area will be closed to non-event traffic from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Exam centers located near these venues—such as those in Malleswaram, Rajajinagar, and Basavanagudi—will have dedicated green corridors. Students appearing for NEET are advised to carry their admit cards and reach their centers by 7:30 AM, as gates will close at 8:00 AM.
Public Transport and Alternative Routes
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will operate additional buses on 20 key routes, especially from major residential areas to exam centers. The Namma Metro will run extra trains from 5:30 AM onwards on the Purple and Green lines. Commuters are encouraged to use public transport to minimize congestion.
Traffic police have recommended alternative routes: those traveling to the airport should use the Hennur Road or Old Airport Road instead of ORR. For east-west travel, the Magadi Road and Hosur Road are advised. The police have also set up a dedicated helpline (080-22972222) for real-time traffic updates and assistance.
Impact on Daily Commute
Residents in affected areas have been warned of potential delays of 30 to 60 minutes. Schools and offices in the vicinity of event venues have been advised to consider remote operations or staggered timings. Emergency services, including ambulances, have been coordinated to ensure priority passage through green corridors.
“We have made detailed arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of NEET and other events. We request the public to cooperate and follow the instructions of traffic personnel,” said a senior traffic police officer. The officer also urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel during peak hours and to use the traffic police app for live updates.
