Christmas celebrations turned chaotic in north Bengaluru as a luxury mall in Yelahanka witnessed massive footfalls, causing severe traffic congestion and frustration among commuters. According to Hindustan Times, the overwhelming number of visitors to the mall, coupled with inadequate parking facilities, forced many to abandon their vehicles and walk up to 3 kilometers to reach their destination.
Traffic Nightmare in Yelahanka
Bengaluru’s Traffic Police advised commuters to avoid the area and take alternate routes as bumper-to-bumper traffic paralyzed movement around the mall. Social media platforms were flooded with visuals and complaints from frustrated residents, with one X user stating, “People had to leave their vehicles and walk 3 km to reach the mall. Yesterday was a traffic nightmare for commuters.”
Inside the Mall: A Frenzy of Crowds
The chaos extended inside the mall, where heavy crowds left little room to move freely. Videos shared online showed throngs of people, with one user commenting, “Half the crowd of Bangalore is inside the mall on Christmas!”
Public Backlash on Location and Planning
The mall’s location has long been a contentious issue. Critics argued that its placement along a main road and lack of dedicated parking ramps contributed to the recurring traffic problems. One user compared it to international malls, stating, “Malls in Dubai or the USA have dedicated rear-side access with proper ramps to car parks, avoiding such traffic snarls.”
History of Traffic Woes
This isn’t the first time the mall has made headlines for causing gridlock. Last year, Bengaluru police directed the mall to temporarily shut down for 15 days due to similar issues. However, the mall management challenged the directive in court, assuring they would address the traffic concerns.
Bengaluru’s Broader Traffic Challenges
As the New Year approaches, high-traffic areas like Church Street, MG Road, Indiranagar, and Koramangala are also seeing increased footfalls, leading to massive jams. The situation underscores Bengaluru’s broader struggle with urban planning and the rising demand for public infrastructure improvements.
For now, commuters and shoppers are urged to plan ahead, anticipate delays, and consider alternative modes of transport during peak holiday seasons.
Photo: siwabudv
