Bengaluru Flooded Again: Weekend Downpour Exposes City’s Infrastructure Struggle
Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, once again found itself battling with heavy rains over the weekend, as brief downpours turned many streets into flowing rivers. The city’s already notorious traffic came to a standstill, leaving commuters frustrated and highlighting the vulnerability of its infrastructure.
Roads Submerged, Commuters Stranded
Videos circulating on social media painted a stark picture of the situation. Cars were seen wading through knee-deep water, drivers struggled to navigate submerged speed-breakers, and some key arterial roads were completely inundated. This isn’t just a common occurrence; it’s a recurring nightmare for Bengaluru residents, who are all too familiar with the city’s struggles with rainwater drainage.
Outrage on Social Media
The visuals sparked widespread anger and frustration online. Residents took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustrations, questioning the preparedness of the city’s civic agencies in handling the monsoon season. One user wrote, “Ten minutes of rain and Hennur Main Road is crippled for 12 hours. Our officials and elected representatives are utterly useless,” while another lamented, “Even a drizzle turns this area into an ocean. And yet, massive real estate projects are coming up around here. Welcome to Ocean Park, Panathur!”
Panathur’s Flood-Prone Underbridge Again Hit
Panathur’s railway underbridge (RUB), infamous for its chronic waterlogging issues, once again bore the brunt of the heavy downpour. Thankfully, the disruption occurred on the weekend, sparing many office-goers the usual weekday traffic nightmare.
Citizen Groups Overwhelmed with Distress Calls
Citizen groups and community handles reported being inundated with distress calls and videos from across the city. “Our inbox is flooded — just like the roads,” Bengaluru Post shared on social media. They highlighted the lack of official help for residents in Tatanagar and Balaji Layout, who were dealing with flooded homes and no response from city officials.
Frustration and Fatigue
The recurring nature of the flooding has led to a sense of resignation and frustration among long-time residents. One resident summed up the feeling with a touch of sarcasm, “Hasn’t it been like this for decades? Why trouble the politicians or officials now? It’s the weekend — let them relax.”
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