Bengaluru faced heavy rainfall on Saturday, leading to waterlogging and traffic disruptions. At least ten flights were diverted to Chennai as Air India and IndiGo issued advisories regarding adverse weather conditions. Traffic congestion was reported in several areas, prompting critiques of the city’s infrastructure. Social media users expressed frustration concerning the effects of the rains.
On Saturday evening, heavy rains inundated Bengaluru, significantly disrupting vehicular traffic and flight operations. Waterlogging affected multiple areas, resulting in slow traffic movement, particularly towards the International Airport, as noted by the city’s Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic. Reports indicate that at least ten flights to Bengaluru were diverted to Chennai due to the adverse weather conditions that caused air traffic congestion.
In response to these developments, Air India and IndiGo airlines issued advisories to travelers. Air India stated, “Due to adverse weather conditions in Bengaluru, flight operations are currently impacted, resulting in air traffic congestion,” urging passengers to verify their flight statuses prior to heading to the airport. IndiGo echoed this sentiment, advising, “Unfavorable weather conditions have impacted flights in Bengaluru, resulting in air traffic congestion. You may keep a tab on your flight status here http://bit.ly/2EjJGGT. We are here to support you and appreciate your patience.”
Bengaluru’s KR Pura traffic police highlighted several locations experiencing severe waterlogging, which further hampered traffic movement. Areas impacted included: International Airport Road, Ramamurthy Nagar underpass towards Tin Factory, locations near Taralabalu towards the City, Yelahanka Old Town, Rupena Agrahara towards Hosur, and Ramamurthy Nagar-Banaswadi main road. Additionally, social media users criticized the Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for the inadequate infrastructure that exacerbated the flooding.
As expressed by one Twitter user, “This is just the first rain of the season, yet it has already exposed the crumbling state of Bengaluru’s infrastructure. Roads are submerged, traffic is at a standstill, and daily commuters are left stranded—all thanks to the utter failure of the government and BBMP.” BJP MP PC Mohan also remarked, “Bengaluru’s first summer rain, and the city is already drowning—imagine the monsoon! Wake up, BBMP.”
In summary, Bengaluru experienced significant disruption due to heavy rainfall, which led to severe waterlogging, traffic congestion, and flight diversions. Both Air India and IndiGo airlines have proactively communicated with passengers regarding the flight impacts and advised them to monitor their flight status. The incident has sparked criticism of the city’s infrastructure, which has been deemed inadequate in handling even the initial rains of the season.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
