As monsoon rains lash Bengaluru, the city's already notorious traffic congestion has taken a turn for the worse, with potholes, ongoing infrastructure works, and waterlogging creating hazardous conditions for commuters. The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has joined forces with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to identify and flag multiple high-risk stretches across the city where these issues are set to exacerbate delays and safety concerns.
Joint action to identify trouble spots
According to an official statement from the BTP, the collaboration with GBA aims to proactively address the most problematic areas before they lead to major disruptions. The joint team has surveyed roads in wards such as Shivajinagar, Mahadevapura, and Bommanahalli, where waterlogging and potholes have been recurrent problems. A BTP spokesperson said, "We are working closely with the GBA to ensure that commuters are warned about dangerous stretches and that remedial measures are taken on a priority basis."
The BTP has listed over 30 stretches as high-risk, including major arterials like Old Airport Road, Bannerghatta Road, and Mysore Road. These roads, already burdened by daily traffic of over 2 million vehicles, are now seeing average speeds drop to below 15 km/h during peak hours due to rain-related issues.
Infrastructure works add to woes
Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Namma Metro Phase 2 and several flyover expansions, have further narrowed carriageways and created uneven surfaces. The GBA has acknowledged that coordination between various agencies—including the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)—is essential to mitigate the impact. A GBA official noted, "We are prioritizing drainage clearing and temporary patching of potholes, but the scale of the problem requires sustained effort."
The BTP has also deployed additional traffic marshals at key junctions to manage flow and has advised commuters to plan alternate routes using real-time traffic apps. The police have urged citizens to report potholes and waterlogging via the BTP helpline or the GBA's mobile app.
Impact on daily life
Commuters have expressed frustration over the deteriorating conditions. Many have reported longer travel times, with some saying their usual 30-minute commute now takes over an hour. A software engineer traveling from Whitefield to Electronic City stated, "The potholes are dangerous, especially at night. I've seen several two-wheeler accidents in the past week alone." The BTP data shows that rain-related accidents have increased by 15% in June compared to the same period last year.
The GBA has promised to complete temporary repairs on the most critical stretches within two weeks, but experts warn that long-term solutions require better urban planning and increased funding for road maintenance. As the monsoon season continues, Bengaluru's commuters brace for more challenges ahead.
