With Bengaluru under an orange alert due to heavy rainfall, the Karnataka government has advised IT, BT, and private companies to allow employees to work from home on 16 October. The warning, issued by the Meteorological Department, anticipates significant downpours that could lead to widespread traffic congestion and waterlogging, making commuting unsafe and difficult.
In an official letter addressed to IT-BT companies, the Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society emphasized the need to prioritize employee safety. “Given the heavy rains and orange alert in Bengaluru, we recommend that all IT, BT, and private sector employees work from home to ensure their well-being,” the letter stated.
Public transport systems are expected to be severely impacted by the rainfall, potentially causing further delays. The government also announced the closure of all schools and colleges in Bengaluru for the day, with district authorities issuing orders to keep students and staff safe.
The city's civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), urged citizens to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Areas like Manyata Tech Park, home to several major corporations, have been heavily flooded, making it difficult for employees to travel. BBMP teams are working to drain the flooded areas, but challenges persist as gridlocks, like the one at the Hebbal flyover, have left many commuters stuck in traffic for hours.
