What Caused Bengaluru's ORR Traffic Congestion On September 27?

A day after the Bengaluru bandh brought about deserted roads on Tuesday, the city swiftly reverted to its usual bustling self as extensive traffic snarls were reported in various parts of the city on Wednesday.

On September 27, traffic reached double the standard volume. Ordinarily, Wednesdays witness a vehicle count ranging from 150,000 to 200,000, but on September 27, the count surged to 359,000 by 7:30 p.m, according to moneycontrol report. This surge was largely attributed to the effects of the Bengaluru bandh that unfolded on September 26, as a significant number of employees reported to their workplaces and departed simultaneously on September 27.

Several factors contributed to the traffic congestion on September 27:

Long Weekend: One possible reason could be an extended weekend that may have prompted many to leave the city. September 28 marks a holiday for Eid e Milad, followed by a Karnataka bandh called by pro-Kannada organizations on September 29. This is followed by the regular Saturday and Sunday, and October 2, Monday, is Gandhi Jayanti.

Rain-Induced Waterlogging: Persistent rainfall led to water accumulation on various inner roads, which remained uncleared, exacerbating traffic congestion.

Potholes Due to Rain: The heavy downpours also resulted in the formation of numerous potholes, hindering the smooth flow of traffic.

Vehicle Breakdowns: Between 3:30 pm and 5 pm, six vehicle breakdowns occurred on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), which was already narrowed due to ongoing Metro construction. These breakdowns further compounded the traffic congestion.

The heavy traffic congestion on September 27 caused significant inconvenience to commuters. Many people had to spend long hours in traffic jams, leading to delays and missed appointments. Some people even had to abandon their vehicles and walk to their destinations.

Meanwhile, a Domino's delivery driver went above and beyond to deliver a pizza to a customer stuck in traffic. The customer, who goes by the Twitter handle @rishivaths, posted about their experience on Twitter, praising the driver for his dedication and customer service.

The traffic congestion also had a negative impact on the city's economy. Many businesses reported a drop in sales as customers were unable to reach their stores. The congestion also led to increased fuel consumption and pollution.