Waterlogging Cripples Bengaluru: 180 Major Roads Underwater This Monsoon

The KR Circle underpass, which witnessed a tragic loss of life due to waterlogging last year, should have served as a stark reminder to the city's authorities to take immediate action. However, it appears that no lessons have been learned from the incident.

Data from law enforcement agencies reveals that at least 180 major roads in Bengaluru have experienced severe waterlogging this monsoon, according to DH report. Notably, 20 of these roads are located in the Hebbal Circle and surrounding areas in northeastern Bengaluru, which is notorious for its crawling traffic and waterlogging issues.

The data also shows that five out of ten roads experiencing severe waterlogging are located along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) in the city's east and northeast. Hebbal Circle, a critical intersection connecting the city to Kempegowda International Airport, is particularly prone to waterlogging and has been identified as the most waterlogged spot in the city.

The situation is further exacerbated by potholed roads around Hebbal Circle, which are causing significant problems for two-wheelers, buses, and other vehicles. In fact, an electric bus operated by BMTC recently caught fire while navigating the ORR between Hebbal and Veerannapalya, with a BMTC source attributing the incident to water entering the battery and causing a spark.

Despite such incidents, the issue of waterlogging remains unresolved. Civic apathy and blame game have been cited as contributing factors, but ongoing construction projects also play a significant role. A well-placed source explained that waterlogging in several areas is due to ongoing metro and flyover construction projects, which have left dug-up roads and disrupted stormwater drains.

A police officer from northeastern Bengaluru noted that silt removed from stormwater drains has been piled up outside, only to be washed back into the drains with rainfall, causing blockages. The affected areas include Hebbal Circle, both sides of the service road between Nagavara Junction and Hebbal Circle, Outer Ring Road between Kalyan Nagar Junction and Hennur Junction, and service road between Ramamurthy Nagar and Kasturi Nagar.

It is imperative that the city authorities take immediate action to address the issue of waterlogging, which is not only causing inconvenience but also posing serious safety risks.