Rain takes city hostage

Rain takes city hostage
The Times of India

Bangalore: Traffic was badly hit in the city following water logging due to heavy rain on Friday evening. The rains exposed the level of police preparedness to handle traffic during rain.

Traffic policemen had a tough time clearing vehicles from roads much after the rains. Cars and twowheelers were seen floating on Vittal Mallya Road, Khodays Circle and Link Road railway overbridge. At least 10 BMTC buses and private buses broke down due to water logging in Ulsoor, Domlur and on Bannerghatta Road. Traffic came to a halt for over two hours in parts of east Bangalore, particularly around Ulsoor and Indiranagar-CMH Road, JC Road, Siddaiah Road, Lalbagh Road, Double Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road, Richmond Road, Hosur Road, Sankey Road and Vittal Mallya Road, with over two dozen four-wheelers stalled in the 5-6-foot-deep water.

Many roads in low-lying areas were submerged. Water up to four feet on Vidhana Veedhi near Coffee Board junction brought life to a standstill.

Low-lying areas of Malleswaram’s Milk Colony and Sriramapuran witnessed the worst water logging on the roads and police diverted traffic. Intermediate Ring Road connecting Indiranagar and Koramangala was flooded. Traffic jams were seen on flyovers, both at Sirsi Circle-Mysore Road and Double Road. Traffic policemen fled the roads in Koramangala and Ejipura facing public wrath.

All around there were complaints of passengers reaching the airport and railway stations late. Firemen were in great demand as people sought help to pump out water from low-lying areas and cutting trees. The fire control received over 500 calls in the evening. Some calls were diverted to BCC control room. Police control room also received several SOS calls.