Bengaluru grinds to halt as heavy downpour triggers waterlogging, surge in cab fares

Heavy precipitation across Bengaluru on Tuesday created widespread traffic disruptions, with waterlogging reported at multiple critical junctions throughout the city. M.G. Road, Commissionerate Road, Acharya Layout Road, and Anand Rao Circle were among the worst-affected areas, with slow-moving traffic compounding commuter frustration during peak hours.

Congestion extended to several other key thoroughfares, including R.P. Road towards P.G. Halli, Mehkri Circle, and Jayamahal, according to traffic updates. The accumulation of rainwater on road surfaces forced many vehicles to crawl at reduced speeds, disrupting normal traffic flow across the city.

The downpour coincided with a notable increase in fares offered by ride-hailing platforms, as surge pricing kicked in due to heightened demand and constrained supply. Commuters seeking alternative transportation options during the weather event encountered significantly elevated cab fares compared to normal rates.

The city's drainage infrastructure struggled to cope with the volume of rainfall, leaving water trapped on several major roads. Traffic management authorities were deployed to affected zones to manage the congestion and facilitate smoother movement of vehicles where possible.