Traffic snarls across Bengaluru as thousands leave city for Deepavali weekend

Bengaluru witnessed traffic congestion on October 17 evening and October 18 morning as thousands of residents began leaving the city for the long Deepavali weekend. Major bus terminals, such as the Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) and the Mysuru Road Satellite Bus Station, saw huge crowds, with several arterial roads choked for hours.

A police officer said, “Traffic jams are expected through October 18 (Saturday) at these potential congestion hotspots. We urge people to plan their travel in advance to avoid delays.”

Anticipating the surge, the Bengaluru Traffic Police issued an advisory identifying six potential congestion hotspots — Goraguntepalya, Hebbal, Majestic, Old Madras Road, Mysuru Road, and Hosur Road — and urged motorists to plan their travel in advance.

Congestion points

According to the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), heavy traffic was reported at Majestic and KSR Bengaluru railway station, on Seshadri Road, K.G. Road, and Mysuru Road.

“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 for manage the traffic,” said a senior police officer.

The Mysuru Road Satellite Bus Station witnessed chaotic scenes as passengers heading towards Mysuru, Mangaluru, Puttur, Madikeri, Virajpet, and parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala struggled to board buses. 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

Passengers at Majestic complained about the shortage of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.

“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 is ₹900, they are demanding ₹2,000 per seat,” said Ravi K., a passenger at Majestic. “I have now cancelled my trip, and am heading back home,” he added.

However, KSRTC officials said that the corporation is operating 2,500 additional buses from Bengaluru between October 17 and 20 for the Deepavali rush, with return services scheduled from October 22 to 26. “All necessary arrangements have been made to operate these special services,” an official said.

Shopping rush

Traffic chaos was reported at K.R. Market as thousands thronged the area for last-minute Deepavali shopping.

“It took me nearly two hours to cross the stretch between Town Hall and Mysuru Road flyover,” said Ramesh Gowda, a commuter from Shanthinagar. “Two-wheelers, autos, and cars were all stuck bumper-to-bumper. Even pedestrians found it hard to move because of the crowd,” he added.

Traffic snarls were also reported on Tumakuru Road, at Jalahalli, 8th Mile, Goraguntepalya, Hebbal, Hosur Road, Koramangala, Outer Ring Road, Yeshwantpur, Rajajinagar, and in the Central Business District (CBD).