Bengaluru’s traffic-free roads surprise commuters during Diwali: 'Reached 14 km in 20 mins'

The festive exodus has left Bengaluru roads free of traffic snarls in most of the areas that would otherwise be gridlocked in peak hours. (Image credit: @genextechie/Instagram)

As Diwali celebrations swept across the country, Bengaluru’s infamous traffic vanished almost overnight. A short clip posted by Instagram user @Genextechie captured the moment: a 14-km commute completed in just 20 minutes, filmed from an auto rickshaw gliding through near-empty streets. The video’s overlay read, “When entire Bengaluru is out of Bengaluru due to Diwali, you reached 14 km in 20 mins.”

Social media reacts to Bengaluru’s surreal calm

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The clip triggered a wave of reactions from commuters and residents alike. One user wrote, “Even I was relieved in metro,” while another quipped, “I think I'm in another Bengaluru... still stuck in traffic.” A few pushed back, noting that not all areas were congestion-free: “Not really, we are stuck in traffic.”

A commuter summed up the paradox: “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.”

Another commented on the city’s demographic churn: “What do I do in Bangalore? Roads are empty. Seems like everyone except Bangaloreans live in Bangalore.” A broader sentiment echoed across platforms: “Right now, all the Tier 1 cities are practically empty, that legendary metro traffic problem? Gone. Everyone’s packed up and left for their hometowns to celebrate Diwali 2025 with family.”

One post captured the mood with cultural nuance: “Bengaluru situation right now. Deepavali guys stayed, Diwali guys left. Khali khali roads is a bliss.”

From gridlock to ghost town in days

Just days before the festive exodus, Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road was gridlocked after a bus breakdown, forcing motorists to crawl 12 km in nearly two hours. Anticipating the rush, authorities had issued travel advisories for key exit routes including Hebbal, Mysuru Road, and Hosur Road.

Now, with the city emptied out for the long weekend, the usual cacophony of horns and congestion has given way to an almost surreal calm. Office-goers remaining in the city are reporting faster commutes and a rare glimpse of Bengaluru without its usual traffic woes.

A fleeting moment of urban peace

While the city’s work-day rhythm continues, the absence of its usual vehicular chaos has offered a moment of peace. For many, it’s a reminder of what Bengaluru could be — if only for a few days a year.