A video showing torrential rainwater gushing down Bengaluru’s newly inaugurated Hebbal flyover has quickly gone viral on X, sparking widespread concern and social media commentary about the quality of infrastructure. The flyover, opened by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on August 18, formed a key part of efforts to ease heavy traffic congestion at the busy Hebbal junction.
However, the video depicts water cascading down multiple sections of the Rs 80 crore, 700-metre-long flyover during a recent downpour, resembling a waterfall that drenched vehicles passing underneath. Residents responded with a mix of sarcasm and frustration, questioning the flyover’s construction standards and rainwater drainage design, amid ongoing monsoon challenges in the city.
Context of the Hebbal Flyover Project and Urban Traffic Relief
The newly built Hebbal flyover loop is a significant investment by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA), designed to reduce traffic bottlenecks by approximately 30% at one of the city’s most notorious junctions. Connecting K.R. Puram and Mekhri Circle, the loop adds lanes to improve vehicular flow from the airport, IT corridors, and northern suburbs into the city core.
Completed in just seven months and costing ₹80 crore, the project was lauded by Deputy CM Shivakumar, who rode his vintage Yezdi RoadKing motorcycle across the new flyover at its inauguration, calling it a “game changer” for daily commuters. The government’s broader plan includes an additional loop slated for completion in November and a costly 16.5 km tunnel road project aimed at comprehensive traffic decongestion across Bengaluru’s major corridors.
Recurrent Challenges in Bengaluru’s Monsoon Infrastructure
Despite such infrastructure investments, Bengaluru’s rapid urbanisation continues to strain its drainage and road networks, especially during heavy rains. The flyover’s leaks expose weaknesses in project planning and execution, illustrating a troubling pattern of monsoon-related infrastructure failures seen across the city. Traffic snarls at Hebbal and other key junctions are often compounded by waterlogging and inadequate stormwater management, aggravating commuter woes.
Experts warn that while flyovers and other structures address traffic volume, equal attention must be paid to resilient engineering, proper water drainage systems, and ongoing maintenance to prevent damage and operational setbacks that risk safety and public confidence.
Adding to the comprehensive overview, it is important to note that the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) has ambitious infrastructure plans complementing the Hebbal flyover. In addition to the existing loop, a second loop from Esteem Mall towards Mekhri Circle is expected to be completed by November, expanding the lanes from two to six and significantly improving traffic flow.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident sheds light on the critical need for accountable, sustainable urban infrastructure development in Bengaluru. It underscores that quick construction is no substitute for quality and resilience, particularly in a climate-sensitive era where cities face increasingly intense rainfall events.
The Logical Indian advocates for transparent governance, rigorous oversight, and collaborative solutions involving citizens, engineers, and policymakers to build infrastructure that endures and truly serves public needs. Genuine progress requires prioritising empathy for commuters’ daily struggles and commitment to long-term urban harmony.
Experience the new free waterfall spot at Hebbal. All are welcome #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/2eEsTVC5vK
— Bengaluru Post (@bengalurupost1) September 7, 2025
