No rains but 3 hours for 12 km. Bengaluru resident calls traffic nightmare as ‘preparing for war every time'

Time of India

24-06-2025

In a city that prides itself as the Silicon Valley of India, commuting just 12 km shouldn't feel like a full-blown expedition. But for many Bangaloreans, that's the reality — a slow, daily unravelling masked as routine. A recent post by a frustrated city resident has gone viral for painfully articulating what lakhs quietly endure: Bengaluru's commute isn't just inconvenient, it's emotionally draining.
The resident took to social media and shared that he left the office at 6 PM and reached home at 9:15 PM, sharing how his evening was derailed by not rain or traffic jam, or protest — just the city being its usual self. The regular bus on his route didn't turn up. There were no updates on Tummoc or
Namma BMTC
. Eventually, he had to take a different bus, only to be dropped midway and forced into an exasperating 'auto hunt.'
Namma Yatri didn't help either — no driver accepted the ride unless a Rs 50+ tip was added. The so-called 'optional tip,' he said, has become a cruel joke. With meters rendered meaningless, he ended up paying more for a local auto than for a full intercity bus fare.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Build Your Dream Villa Near Bengaluru Airport
Sumadhura Group
Learn More
Undo
But what stung most was how unsurprised he was by it all. 'Just… drained,' the user wrote. He pointed out that in a city filled with startups promising to 'solve urban problems,' basic commuting remains an unsolved puzzle. He further added that delays are expected. Charger backups and water bottles are part of the urban commute kit. And every evening feels like preparing for battle.
The post ended on a note of tired hope — that perhaps, one day, things might improve. Until then, Bengaluru continues to wear down its people, not with one big failure, but with a thousand tiny ones every single day.
Netizens react
The viral rant about Bengaluru's gruelling commute struck a deep chord with city dwellers, sparking an outpouring of similar experiences online.
Many pointed out how the situation has worsened with the removal of bike taxis, which once offered a more affordable and faster alternative for solo travellers. Some feared that the government's next move might be even more punishing, with predictions of increased road taxes and fuel prices adding to the burden. Frustration about poor planning was a common theme. One user lamented that the city's most crowded areas are still not connected by the metro, and with slow construction and unclear timelines, hope feels distant.
Another detailed the exhaustion of commuting over 30 km every day, switching between multiple buses and spending more than two hours just one way. Construction bottlenecks like those near Hebbal, worsened by simultaneous metro and flyover work, only added to their despair.
Some users shared how the commute was just one part of a bigger spiral, dealing with toxic workplaces, constant fatigue, and deteriorating mental health. For a few, the experience has prompted a shift in priorities. They are now saving up with plans to move to quieter cities like Mysuru, or return to their hometowns in search of peace and purpose.