What is the story about?
Bengaluru police have issued a traffic advisory ahead of the Sri Channarayaswamy Jatra from January 25 (Sunday) to January 27 (Tuesday), which includes
religious events, including Rathotsava, Dipotsava, Karaga, and Pallakki programs scheduled for two days. The advisory stressed how commuters can take alternative routes to avoid traffic-affected areas and ensure public safety during the anticipated large gathering in the Varthur and Whitefield areas.
Affected Roads and Traffic Diversions
To facilitate smooth vehicular movement, Bengaluru Traffic Police have established alternative routes and diversions across key stretches:
- Light Vehicles from Gunjur to Whitefield: Turn right near Sri Ram Temple, proceed via Halasahalli Road, and continue through Maduranagar, Surahunase, Valepura, and Varthur Government College Road.
- Light Vehicles from Whitefield to Gunjur: Use the Immidahalli–Valepura–Surahunase route via Maduranagar.
- Vehicles heading towards Kundalahalli and Marathahalli from Gunjur: Navigate via Gunjur KFC Road, Panathur Railway Bridge, and VIBGYOR School Road.
Diversions for Heavy Goods Vehicles
Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) should follow these guidelines to minimize congestion:
- HGVs from Hoskote: Take the Hopefarm Junction route towards Sarjapur via Varthur Kodi.
- HGVs from Sarjapur: Use the Chikkatirupathi, Dommasandra, Kodati, and Bellandur routes.
Sahil Bagla, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic East Division, Bengaluru City, issued the advisory, stressing the need for public cooperation. The police further requested that the public adhere to traffic instructions to ensure safety for all participants.
Bengaluru Becomes 2nd Most Traffic-Congested City in World
India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, has emerged as the second most congested city in the world in 2025, ranking just behind Mexico City, according to the latest TomTom Traffic Index, an annual report tracking global traffic trends and commuting behaviour.
The findings come at a time when the Karnataka government is projecting Bengaluru on international platforms as the “city of the future”, but residents stuck in endless jams may disagree. Bengaluru has been climbing the congestion ladder rapidly — it was the 6th most congested city in 2023, rose to 3rd in 2024, and has now surged to 2nd place in 2025.
