Bengaluru experienced intense pre-monsoon showers on Wednesday, leading to widespread chaos. Flight operations at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) were severely affected, with at least 10 Bengaluru-bound flights diverted to Chennai due to poor visibility and unsafe landing conditions. The heavy rains, concentrated in the east, north, and northeast parts of the city, caused urban flooding and prolonged travel delays.
Traffic snarls and waterlogging in key areas
Several parts of Bengaluru reported severe waterlogging, causing significant disruptions to road traffic. Hunsmaranahalli, near KIA Road, was among the worst-hit areas, with water accumulation slowing down vehicular movement. Bengaluru Traffic Police had to intervene to clear blockages on the airport flyover. Rupen Agrahara, along Hosur Road, also faced heavy waterlogging, impacting vehicle movement.
Airlines issue travel advisories
Airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, issued travel advisories urging passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport. IndiGo stated, “Unfavourable weather conditions in Bengaluru continue to impact flights. We’re closely monitoring the weather & will keep you informed with timely updates.”
“Due to adverse weather conditions in Bengaluru, flight operations are currently impacted, resulting in air traffic congestion. We advise all our passengers to check their flight status here- http://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before proceeding to the airport,” Air India advisory read on X.
In Kasturi Nagar, near the M.M.T. Bus Stand, traffic towards KR Puram, Mahadevapura, and Whitefield was severely affected. Yelahanka recorded 45.4 mm of rainfall by 6:53 PM, with widespread civic complaints about waterlogging. The BIAL Airport Road received 64.5 mm of rainfall, leading to severe traffic congestion.
The rainfall intensity varied across Bengaluru, with southwest Bengaluru remaining relatively dry. Other affected areas included Horamavu (41 mm) and Doddagubbi (33 mm). Outer Ring Road and low-lying regions also reported significant inundation, with residents expressing frustration over the recurring waterlogging issues.
Residents took to social media to highlight the city’s poor drainage systems and inadequate urban planning. Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan shared a video of a waterlogged ORR on X, criticizing the BBMP: “Bengaluru’s first summer rain, and the city is already drowning—imagine the monsoon! Wake up, BBMP.”