Bengaluru traffic ahead of Diwali
Photo : PTI
Days ahead of Diwali, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) issued an advisory for the festival weekend as thousands of people leave the city to visit their homes for Diwali, advising people to plan their journeys ahead to avoid long traffic jams.
The city witnessed heavy traffic congestion on October 17 and on October 18, mainly on key road stretches.
According to the advisory, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) noted six major locations that are likely to witness severe traffic congestion over the Diwali weekend, according to Deccan Herald.
List of areas to be affected
- Gorapuntepalya
- Hebbal
Majestic - Old Madras Road
- Mysuru Road
- Hosur Road
Notably, most of these stretches serve as key exit and entry points to the city, which connects Bengaluru with neighbouring districts and states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.
“Thousands of people arrived at the bus and railway stations, causing gridlocks in multiple directions. We have made necessary arrangements, and also police personnel have been increased to manage the traffic,” a senior police officer said, according to The Hindu report.
The heavy rush resulted in severe congestion on Mysuru Road, K.R. Market Road, Chord Road, and the Outer Ring Road, police officials added.
Shortage of buses
The passengers at Majestic complained about the shortage of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, stressing that the private buses are charging double the regular fare.
“I have been waiting since 4 p.m. for a bus to Hospet, but every bus is packed. No seat is available. I even checked private buses, but they are charging double the regular fare. While the regular fare is ₹900, they are demanding ₹2,000 per seat,” a passenger at Majestic said. “I have now cancelled my trip and am heading back home,” he added.
