Bengaluru’s Deluge: How Excessive Rainfall Brought the City to a Standstill, and Lessons for Transportation Companies

Bengaluru, October 30^th, 2024: The recent bout of unrelenting rain in Bengaluru has wreaked havoc on the lives of daily commuters and disrupted the routine of residents across the city. This year’s monsoon has been unusually intense, especially with October’s 179 mm of rain as compared to the average 111 mm, marking a 61% increase. Over the past week, excessive rainfall has resulted in widespread flooding, leading to severe traffic congestion, road blockages, and long delays. With roads submerged in water and public transportation barely functional, daily commuters found themselves struggling to reach their destinations on time, if at all. 

For the first time in 18 years, Bengaluru witnessed record-breaking post-monsoon rainfall, surpassing previous records. Key areas like Kengeri, Yelahanka, Uttarahalli, Tavarekere, Yeshwanthpur, Dasanapura, Hessarghatta, Bidarahalli, and Sarjapur recorded exceptionally high rainfall.

A City Underwater: The Impact on Daily Life and Commuters

Bengaluru has been grappling with continuous heavy rains over the last couple of weeks, leaving numerous residential areas and roads submerged in knee-deep water. The downpour has led to severe waterlogging across the city, with Doddabommasandra Lake in northern Bengaluru overflowing for the first time in 17 years, flooding low-lying areas like Tata Nagar near Hebbal. These regions witnessed severe waterlogging, making roads impassable and leaving commuters stuck for hours. With vehicles stranded in flooded streets and alternative routes also clogged, many residents resorted to walking through the waterlogged streets to reach home or work. Schools and offices were also forced to shut down temporarily, as waterlogged roads made travel unsafe.

Public transportation systems, including buses, and auto-rickshaws, were largely impacted, with drivers struggling to navigate submerged areas. Local trains were often delayed, adding to the commuter frustration and leaving ride-hailing companies and cab services stretched to their limits as demand surged.

Companies like Savaari Car Rentals went above and beyond to provide seamless service despite the challenges. By leveraging advanced navigation tools and real-time route planning, Savaari navigated flooded streets and heavy traffic, ensuring safe and timely rides for their customers. They incorporated predictive route analytics and constant updates on road closures, enabling drivers to avoid the most affected areas. This commitment to adaptive logistics not only minimized delays but also reassured customers of reliable service during an unpredictable time. Savaari’s proactive strategies underscored their dedication to exceptional service, even in the toughest conditions. The company shared some insights on these strategies –

• Advanced Navigation and Route Planning: To mitigate disruptions caused by flooding and traffic jams, Savaari leverages technology for real-time navigation updates. Our drivers are provided with updated routes and detours to avoid waterlogged areas, ensuring timely service despite adverse weather conditions.
• Business Continuity & Operational Adaptability: Despite the weather-related challenges, Savaari’s extensive network and adaptive business model allow us to maintain seamless operations. Our fleet and driver network have been expanded to meet increased demand for local, airport, and outstation transfers.
• Flexible Cancellations and Rescheduling: Understanding the unpredictability of weather, Savaari offers flexible booking policies, allowing customers to cancel or reschedule their trips with ease, ensuring convenience and peace of mind during the rainy season.

The recent rains in Bengaluru offered some important takeaways for transportation companies and cab service providers to better prepare for future instances of extreme weather. From a customer standpoint, below are some strategies that are recently being talked about in order to better deal with such situations in the future.

Real-Time Route Monitoring and Rerouting Capabilities: Transportation companies could benefit immensely from real-time monitoring and rerouting technologies to identify blocked or congested areas. By actively guiding drivers on alternate routes through dynamic navigation systems, companies can help reduce commuter delays and ensure smoother travel even during extreme weather.

Increase Fleet Resilience: Cab providers, like Ola and Uber, often face significant challenges due to low vehicle availability during floods. Enhancing vehicle resilience by focusing on fleet quality, especially in terms of waterproofing and higher ground clearance, could help minimize breakdowns and improve safety. Moreover, providing temporary waterproofing kits for drivers could prove beneficial.

Expand Emergency Support Infrastructure: Establishing a robust emergency response system can be a game-changer. Cab services and local transportation companies should consider introducing safety and emergency kits in their vehicles and creating a helpline to assist passengers in case they encounter hazardous conditions. Additionally, partnering with local civic bodies for faster response during weather emergencies could alleviate distress and provide relief during times of crisis.

Regular Driver Training for Adverse Conditions: Providing regular training for drivers on handling extreme weather conditions, such as driving in low visibility, flooded streets, and heavy rain, can ensure safer rides. Creating awareness around when to halt service for safety reasons can help build trust among commuters and minimize accident risks.

With extreme weather patterns becoming more frequent, it is crucial for transportation and cab service providers to adopt preventive measures and plan for the future. Transportation companies, ride-hailing providers, and local authorities need to work together to create a more resilient, adaptable, and efficient public transportation system capable of handling Bangalore’s unpredictable weather.