Heavy rain lashes parts of Bengaluru, uproots over 50 trees

Bengaluru: Heavy rain lashed many parts of Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, uprooting over 50 trees, flooding roads and disrupting traffic across the city.

The KR Circle underpass was among the worst-hit stretches, with waterlogging severely disrupting vehicular movement during peak hours. Civic officials placed barricades at the underpass entrance for public safety and smooth traffic management.

Several key roads and junctions were inundated following the downpour, leading to traffic congestion and slow-moving vehicles in multiple areas. Waterlogging was reported at Hebbal up-ramp, Hoodi underpass, Chickpet Circle, Kundalahalli, Yeswantpur, Jayamahal Road, Kogilu Cross, Binny Mill underpass and near TV Tower, among other localities.

The rain was accompanied by strong gusts travelling at speeds of 30 to 40 kmph, resulting in more than 50 trees being uprooted on Old Madras Road, and in HBR Layout, Sanjaynagar, Geddalahalli, Ashwathnagar and other locations.

Most tree falls were reported in East and West Corporation limits, according to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). By 8.30 pm, the Bengaluru City observatory recorded 17.8 mm of rainfall and HAL Airport 4.8 mm. 

The maximum temperature at Bengaluru City was 33.2°C, 1.2°C above normal, while the minimum was 22.6°C, 1.3°C above normal. HAL Airport reported a maximum temperature of 33.7°C, 1.7°C above normal, and a minimum of 21.0°C, roughly on a par with the normal.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a partly cloudy sky becoming generally cloudy towards afternoon or evening. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers with gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph are likely in some areas. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 34°C and 22°C, respectively, it added.

Metro disruption

Purple Line Metro train services were suspended between Garudacharpalya and Whitefield between 6 pm and 6.35 pm following a tree fall on the tracks between ITPL and Sathya Sai Hospital stations.

As a result, Purple Line trains ran only between Garudacharpalya and Challaghatta stations during that period. Although Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) later restored services, passengers reported long wait times at many stations.

A waterlogged railway underpass at RMV 2nd Stage and a fallen tree branch blocking a main road in Sanjaynagar on Tuesday. 

Barricades placed at the entrance of the KR Circle underpass on Tuesday evening.