Deepavali exodus: Bengaluru's roads, bus stations struggle to keep up

India Oct 18, 2025

Bengaluru pretty much came to a standstill on October 17 and 18, 2025, as thousands tried to leave for Deepavali.
Main bus stations like Majestic and Mysuru Road were overflowing, and major roads saw hours-long traffic jams, making travel a real test of patience.

Police flag hotspots as jams spread across city

Police flagged hotspots like Hebbal, Goraguntepalya, Old Madras Road, and Hosur Road, but even with 2,500 extra KSRTC busses and more staff on duty, the crowds just kept coming.
Private bus fares shot up, and jams spread to places like K.R. Market and Koramangala.
The Outer Ring Road—meant to help—was clogged too, especially after a bus broke down earlier in the week.
Officials are now urging everyone to plan ahead as the city's roads struggle to keep up with festival rush.