Heavy overnight rainfall cripples city infrastructure; Rs 27 lakh-rent CCB office waterlogged, historic temple half-submerged, metro station flooded, and major flyovers shut due to waterlogging
Bengaluru: The overnight torrential rains have once again exposed the vulnerabilities in Bengaluru’s civic infrastructure. From government offices and temples to metro stations and arterial roads, the city was left reeling on Monday.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) office in Shantinagar, which was relocated from Chamarajpet due to structural issues, has now flooded in its new premises — a building that costs the government ₹27 lakh per month in rent. Ironically, this shift, meant to provide better facilities, has failed to protect crucial law enforcement offices from chronic waterlogging.
Authorities suspect that vital case documents may have been damaged as rainwater entered ground floor offices. The building, which belongs to the Transport Department, continues to suffer from poor drainage. With the nearby mandi still overflowing, floodwater inside the office has not yet receded.
“We need a permanent solution. This happens every time there’s heavy rain,” a CCB officer remarked, highlighting the recurring nature of the problem.
City-Wide Impact: Religious Sites and Roads Hit
In Attur, Yelahanka, the historic Kashi Vishwanath temple was found half-submerged. The temple’s kalyani (sacred pond) had overflowed, shocking devotees who arrived for Vishwanath Puja to find the sanctum flooded.
Meanwhile, the Electronic City flyover, one of the busiest stretches in the tech corridor, was shut due to severe waterlogging. This triggered a massive traffic jam along Hosur Road, and authorities closed the flyover as a safety precaution.
Commuters faced major inconvenience at the Silk Board metro station as rainwater filled the premises, submerging vehicles and halting operations. BBMP teams were deployed to clear stagnant water and resume traffic flow.
Demand for Accountability
Despite repeated instances of urban flooding, little has changed in how Bengaluru prepares for the monsoon. Citizens and experts are now demanding:
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A comprehensive audit of government buildings
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Permanent infrastructure fixes in flood-prone areas
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Action on wasteful expenditure, especially in poorly maintained leased offices
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