Bengaluru’s ORR takes a ‘Holi-Day’: Rare traffic-free sight leaves commuters in awe

A Bengaluru resident shared photos of nearly-empty ORR, alongside a Google Maps screenshot glowing in blue.

Bengaluru's ORR serves as a crucial link between the city's major IT hubs

Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road (ORR), notorious for relentless traffic, looked unrecognisable on Holi, March 14, A city resident shared images of a nearly-empty ORR on X, alongside a Google Maps screenshot glowing in blue—an unusual sight for a stretch typically choked with vehicles.

“Today’s Holi, Namma Bengaluru ORR traffic has taken a Holi-Day,” the caption read, capturing the rare moment.

The ORR, which serves as a crucial link between the city’s major IT hubs, is infamous for its gridlocks, especially during rush hours.

See the post:

Today’s Holi, Namma Bengaluru ORR Traffic has taken a Holi-Day 😍 pic.twitter.com/tNnbsY9cWH

— ನಮ್ಮ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು Namma Bengaluru (@NammaBengaluroo) March 14, 2025

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The post struck a chord with Bengalureans, sparking reactions from many. One user said, “So the real traffic creators took a break. This is the real Bengaluru.” Another commented on the stark difference in travel times, saying, “This is THE ideal travel time 20km should actually take 35 mins. Unfortunately, on normal days 1km takes 35 mins.”

In a follow-up post, the original poster wrote, “Can we have a Holi-Day on the remaining 364 days too?”—a sentiment many frustrated commuters resonated with.

Can we have a Holi-Day on the remaining 364 days too 🤪 pic.twitter.com/43ou6TuZqI

— ನಮ್ಮ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು Namma Bengaluru (@NammaBengaluroo) March 14, 2025

Also Read | Auto driver by day, table tennis coach by passion: Bengaluru man’s inspiring story goes viral

Bengaluru’s traffic woes have long been a subject of memes and satire. Recently, Infosys director Mohandas Pai added to the fun by sharing a spoof travel poster advertising a “4-day, 3-night Bengaluru traffic tourism package.” The satirical poster listed some of the city’s most congested spots—Outer Ring Road, Silk Board Junction, Marathahalli, and HSR Layout—as must-visit attractions, summing up the everyday struggle of navigating the city’s roads.

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