‘Worst Traffic, Useless Police’: Samajwadi MP Rajeev Rai Slams Bengaluru After Getting Stuck for Hours

Bengaluru’s infamous traffic gridlock drew national attention once again after Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai was left stranded for hours on Sunday, just before his scheduled flight to Delhi for the Winter Session of Parliament.

Rai, the MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Ghosi constituency, said that despite repeatedly trying to reach Bengaluru Police for assistance, no one responded to his calls. He alleged that there were “not a single traffic police personnel on the road” to manage the severe congestion he was stuck in on Rajkumar Samadhi Road.

In a strongly worded social media post, Rai criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying the city had earned a reputation for “notorious traffic,” while calling the traffic police “useless and irresponsible.”

He posted screenshots of his unsuccessful attempts to call the police and wrote:
“Hon’ble CM of Karnataka, I’m sorry, but you have the worst traffic management and the most irresponsible, useless traffic police. They don’t even pick up phone calls.”

The MP added that he was stuck in the same location for nearly an hour and feared missing his flight, which would affect his participation in the parliamentary session.

🛑 Bengaluru’s Traffic Woes Under Fire

Bengaluru repeatedly ranks among the world’s slowest cities for traffic, and criticism has grown louder from several high-profile voices.

• Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla recently joked that space travel is easier than commuting in Bengaluru.
• Entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has repeatedly flagged deteriorating infrastructure and traffic gridlock.
• Residents routinely complain of lost productivity, long commutes, and lack of enforcement during peak hours.

🚧 Government’s Tunnel Proposal Faces Opposition

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently proposed a massive ₹19,000-crore underground tunnel road project to ease congestion.

However, the project has received strong resistance from:

• Urban planners
• Scientists
• Civic activists

Critics argue the plan is impractical, environmentally risky, and ignores long-term sustainable mobility solutions.

🚨 Growing Public Outrage

Rai’s remarks have intensified the spotlight on Bengaluru’s long-standing traffic crisis, reviving demands for urgent and effective traffic management reforms. Social media discussions surged following his post, with many users echoing similar experiences.