By News18,Sahas

Copyright news18

Bangalore commuters were treated to an unusually smooth ride along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on Maha Navami. Wondering, what are we talking about? A man, on his way to work, shared that their usual journey from JP Nagara to Kadubeesanahalli took just 25 minutes, courtesy of Maha
The man, clearly enjoying the rare convenience, even stopped for breakfast and a walk along the route. He described the morning as “pretty pleasant” and the day as “good and shiny.”
Felt like this how ORR traffic should be ! byu/GhostGopalu inbangalore

Social media reactions show that residents are well aware that such traffic-free experiences are far from the norm. Comments under the post reflected the city’s ongoing congestion woes: “Same time next week… Travel Time 1hr 25 mins,” read one. Another added, “You can realise how much overcrowded Bangalore has become!”
Bangalore, known for its rapid urban expansion and tech boom, often sees its roads choked during peak hours. The ORR, designed to facilitate faster movement around the city, usually experiences heavy congestion due to the influx of vehicles well beyond its planned capacity.
While many were surprised, some attributed it to the Navratri’s Mahanavami celebrations. “Can Mahanavami be a reason why the roads are empty? Most people are on leave, maybe.”
The Reality of Bangalore Traffic
City residents have long pointed out that Bangalore’s road infrastructure was built for moderate traffic, with the ORR designed to handle only its intended volume or at most 30 per cent more. On regular working days, commuters frequently find themselves stuck in jams, where a 25-minute drive can easily stretch into over an hour.
One resident commented, “Imagine reaching your destinations within 20 mins, 10 mins, etc. That’s how it should be.” This highlights the frustration and longing of Bangaloreans for smoother, more efficient commuting experiences.
A Glimpse of What Could Be
While the unusually light traffic along the ORR was temporary, it shows how the city could function if vehicle volumes were managed better or if alternate modes of transport were more widely adopted. Commuters and city planners alike hope that such glimpses of efficient travel may inspire future policies aimed at reducing congestion and improving daily commutes.
For now, the rare “nirvana commute” is being shared widely online, giving residents a brief taste of what Bangalore traffic should ideally feel like.