Bengaluru is known for its never-ending traffic jams, where even short trips can take a long time. But this Diwali season brought a surprising change for the city’s residents. As many people are travelling to their hometowns to celebrate the festival with their families, the usually packed roads are now mostly empty. One local even shared that he covered a 14 km stretch in just 20 minutes, which is almost impossible on regular days.
Normally, that same distance could take more than an hour due to bumper to bumper traffic. For residents staying in the city, getting around has suddenly become quick and easy, a Diwali gift that locals didn’t expect but are surely enjoying.
Bengaluru’s Traffic Takes A Break This Diwali
The video posted on Instagram
came with the caption, “When entire Bengaluru is out of Bengaluru Due to Diwali. You reached 14 km in 20 minutes.”
View this post on Instagram
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “This is what Namma Bengaluru is.”
Another shared, “Not really, we are stuck in traffic at Marathahalli flyover for 30 minutes.”
“Even I was relieved in the metro,” a comment read.
One more added, “I think I’m in another Bengaluru, still stuck in traffic.”
Someone called it, “Festive miracle.”
Not Everyone Gets To Relax
While many Bengaluru residents are enjoying smooth drives on nearly empty roads, not everyone is having a relaxed time. Some people are still working and missing out on the joy of traffic free streets. One commuter shared her mixed feelings, saying that just a week ago, thousands had already left the city for Diwali, but were on the way to a meeting.
Taking to X, an individual wrote, “Umm, half of Bengaluru is empty, which means I can reach Indiranagar in 15 mins, MG Road in 20 mins, and the airport in an hour. But what am I doing instead? Going to my client’s office for a meeting x.”
Umm, half of Bangalore is empty, which means I can reach Indiranagar in 15 mins, MG Road in 20 mins, and the airport in an hour.
But what am I doing instead?
Going to my client’s office for a meeting 🫠— Devi (@thedevification) October 18, 2025
Recent Traffic Chaos
Just last week, Bengaluru residents faced a tough time covering even short distances. A BMTC bus broke down on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), due to which flyovers, main roads and service lanes were jammed. Just a simple 2 km became a long, frustrating situation for commuters.
