Pre-Monsoon Showers Disrupt Bengaluru, Causing Flight Diversions and Traffic Chaos
Bengaluru experienced heavy pre-monsoon rains on Wednesday, causing widespread disruptions in flight operations and severe traffic congestion, particularly on routes leading to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The sudden downpour resulted in urban flooding across several parts of the city, significantly impacting daily commuters.
The heavy rains and strong winds at KIA severely affected flight schedules, with at least 10 Bengaluru-bound flights being diverted to Chennai due to poor visibility and unsafe landing conditions. The affected flights, originally scheduled to land in the evening, had to be rerouted as a precautionary measure.
The rains were concentrated in the eastern, northern, and northeastern parts of Bengaluru, leading to severe waterlogging and long traffic jams. Some of the worst-hit areas included:
- Hunsmaranahalli (near KIA Road) – Water accumulation slowed down vehicular movement, forcing Bengaluru Traffic Police to intervene and clear blockages on the airport flyover.
- Rupen Agrahara (near Hosur Road) – Heavy waterlogging impacted vehicle movement.
- Kasturi Nagar (near M.M.T. Bus Stand) – Traffic congestion extended towards KR Puram, Mahadevapura, and Whitefield due to waterlogged roads.
- Yelahanka – Recorded 45.4 mm of rainfall by 6:53 PM, with several complaints of urban flooding.
- BIAL Airport Road – One of the worst-affected areas, receiving 64.5 mm of rainfall, causing major disruptions and longer travel times.
- Horamavu (41 mm) and Doddagubbi (33 mm) – Experienced moderate rainfall and minor waterlogging.
- Southwest Bengaluru – Remained relatively dry and unaffected by the downpour.
Civic Concerns and Public Frustration Over Infrastructure
As water levels rose in low-lying areas and along the Outer Ring Road, residents voiced their frustration over recurring flooding issues. Many took to social media to highlight poor urban planning, clogged drainage systems, and lack of preparedness by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
The situation has once again reignited debates about Bengaluru’s infrastructure, with calls for better drainage management and proactive flood control measures to prevent such disruptions in the future.
