Bengaluru witnessed severe traffic congestion on Monday as thousands of vehicles returned to the city after the long weekend, leading to major bottlenecks at key entry points.
Major arterial roads including Mysuru Road, Tumakuru Road, and KR Puram experienced significant traffic build-up, with vehicles moving at a crawl during peak evening hours.
Commuters reported delays stretching for hours, particularly near toll plazas, flyovers, and busy junctions.
The surge in traffic is attributed to residents returning from weekend getaways and short trips outside the city. With multiple vehicles entering simultaneously, existing road infrastructure struggled to handle the sudden influx.
Traffic police deployed additional personnel at key points to manage the flow, but congestion persisted well into the night.
Motorists described the situation as exhausting, with extended travel times and stop-and-go traffic conditions. Public transport services were also affected, with buses running behind schedule due to road congestion.
Office-goers returning after the break and intercity travellers were among the worst affected.
Urban mobility experts say such recurring congestion highlights the need for improved traffic planning, better infrastructure, and staggered travel patterns during peak holiday periods.
They also emphasise the importance of strengthening public transport systems to reduce dependence on private vehicles.
Traffic congestion during long weekends has become a familiar challenge for Bengaluru, reflecting the city's rapid growth and increasing vehicle numbers. Authorities continue to explore long-term solutions, but immediate relief remains limited