In a Christmas Eve spectacle, Bellari Road, also known as Airport Road, in North Bengaluru, turned into a chaotic mess as crowds swarmed Phoenix Mall of Asia near Yelahanka. The bustling scene led to a two-hour standstill for motorists, many of whom were en route to the airport.
As Bengaluru's roads experienced a relative lull on December 24, with residents departing for Christmas and New Year festivities, the roads leading to the Mall of Asia were a stark contrast, teeming with vehicles from 2 pm onwards.
The ensuing traffic prompted the local traffic police to issue an advisory at 6 pm, cautioning commuters about the congestion on the Bellary service road heading to the mall, along with a full parking situation.
Residents took to expressing their frustrations online, with one user recounting on X, "It took 2 hours from Aster Hospital to cross Mall of Asia. Sir, please address the major choke due to the main road to service road connection at Amruthahalli signal."
Users also claimed that the mall imposed a fee of Rs 200 for pedestrian entry and Rs 150 for cars. An online petition on Change.org titled 'Massive Traffic Jam due to unplanned 'Mall of Asia,' impacting neighbouring residential areas,' launched on December 21, has garnered over 1,100 signatures.
Phoenix Mall of Asia, inaugurated just this October over a sprawling 13-acre expanse, faced backlash for heightened traffic snarls, particularly during weekends. The mall, which showcased one of the tallest Christmas trees at 100 feet on December 16, hosted Christmas celebrations on December 24, further intensifying the influx.
Users expressed their frustrations and jokes around the congestion caused by the mall flooded X.
“Petition to rename Phoenix Mall of Asia to Bengaluru Kumbh Mela,” joked one user. They also wrote: “Missed the left turn for Phoenix Mall of Asia, spent 45 minutes to take a U turn to reach it finally, still haven't entered the mall yet due to the traffic.”
Another shared his experience: “Did the blunder of driving to Phoenix Mall of Asia today. Absolutely horrendous traffic, and Parking was full by the time I reached.”
Despite a weekend footfall of 50,000-60,000, the parking facility at the mall can only accommodate around 3,500 vehicles.
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