By: TTW News Desk

Bengaluru is currently facing severe disruptions due to relentless monsoon rains, which have caused widespread waterlogging and significant traffic congestion across the city. The India Meteorological Department’s forecast of continued heavy showers and thundershowers this week means that these challenges are expected to persist, affecting daily commutes and straining urban infrastructure. As roads become flooded and movement slows to a crawl, the city is also experiencing disruptions in air travel, with flights being delayed or diverted due to adverse weather conditions. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle Bengaluru faces in managing the impacts of intense monsoon rains amid growing urbanization and inadequate drainage systems, making it imperative for residents and authorities alike to stay alert and prepared for further weather-related challenges.

Bengaluru Reels Under Heavy Rainfall as IMD Predicts More Thundershowers, Widespread Waterlogging and Travel Disruptions Persist

Bengaluru, one of India’s major urban hubs, continues to reel under the impact of relentless monsoon showers, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting additional rainfall and thundershowers throughout the week. The persistent downpours, driven by the southwest monsoon’s renewed vigor, have triggered widespread waterlogging and paralyzed parts of the city’s transport system—both on the ground and in the skies.

Heavy rains overnight on Thursday caused extensive flooding on Bengaluru’s streets, transforming several major roads into impassable waterways. As early morning commuters ventured out, they were met with massive traffic snarls, submerged streets, and reduced visibility in several localities. From residential pockets to commercial zones, the city witnessed disruption in movement and mounting frustration as vehicles crawled through waterlogged corridors.

The Bengaluru City Traffic Police issued a series of advisories warning motorists of delays across various routes. Among the most severely impacted stretches were the roads from Vaddarapalya towards Hennur and Geddalahalli, which experienced slow movement in both directions. Additionally, the service road connecting Ramamurthy Nagar to Kasturi Nagar was severely affected, with stagnant water hampering traffic for hours.

These conditions are expected to persist, with the IMD forecasting continued rainfall over the coming days. Meteorologists have confirmed that the southwest monsoon remains active over southern India, and Bengaluru is set to receive moderate to heavy showers, occasionally accompanied by thunder and gusty winds, until the end of the week.

Beyond traffic woes, the monsoon turbulence has extended to the aviation sector as well. Earlier this week, poor weather forced a commercial flight en route from Delhi to Bengaluru to divert to Coimbatore due to low visibility and strong winds. Delays and cancellations at Kempegowda International Airport have become more likely as forecasts predict further atmospheric instability.

The IMD has widened its alert network across Karnataka, sounding multiple warnings in anticipation of continued intense weather activity. Heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for districts including Bangalore Rural, Tumkur, Chitradurga, Davangere, Koppal, Bagalkot, and Belagavi. An orange alert has been declared in regions such as Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Shivamogga, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Gadag, Dharwad, Chikkamagaluru, and Belagavi, signaling the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in short durations.

For North Interior Karnataka, the IMD has issued a yellow alert, advising caution in areas like Bagalkot, Bidar, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Vijayapura, and Yadgir. These regions are expected to experience localized storms, sporadic heavy showers, and gusty conditions, which may result in further disruptions to transport and daily routines.

Urban planners and civic agencies in Bengaluru are once again under the spotlight, as the recurring scenes of flooded streets and clogged drainage systems underscore the city’s long-standing infrastructure gaps. Despite being India’s tech capital, Bengaluru continues to struggle with managing high-intensity rains, especially in low-lying areas where stormwater drains are either poorly maintained or simply overwhelmed by the volume.

Public safety officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall hours. People are advised to stay updated with real-time alerts from the traffic police and weather department, and to avoid routes prone to waterlogging. The authorities have also appealed to two-wheeler riders and pedestrians to exercise caution, particularly near underpasses, bridges, and flyovers, where flooding can occur rapidly.

In several residential areas, local complaints have emerged over power outages, blocked sewer lines, and rising water levels entering ground-floor homes and shops. The situation has also affected small businesses, delivery services, and essential operations, adding to the economic strain already placed on urban livelihoods by seasonal weather events.

As India continues to face the intensifying effects of climate change, monsoon variability and urban flooding are becoming more frequent and more damaging. Bengaluru’s current struggle is not an isolated episode, but part of a growing pattern of extreme weather events impacting cities nationwide. The ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for comprehensive flood mitigation strategies, investment in smart drainage infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning practices that can withstand future climate shocks.

With rain showing no signs of abating, Bengaluru remains on high alert, with authorities closely monitoring weather patterns and mobilizing emergency response units. While the monsoon is vital for India’s agriculture and water resources, its unpredictable behavior is increasingly turning into a seasonal urban crisis.