Bengaluru rains: Phoenix Mall of Asia submerged; waterlogging disrupts access

Heavy thunderstorms lashed Bengaluru on Tuesday, causing severe waterlogging at Phoenix Mall of Asia in Yelahanka. Visuals circulating on social media show the parking lot and entrance of the newly opened mall completely submerged, making it difficult for customers to enter the premises. The mall's management has since been working to flush out the water and restore access.

Also Read: Orange Alert declared in Bengaluru, schools shut as rains wreak havoc

Phoenix Mall of Asia, one of Bengaluru's latest and largest shopping destinations, has repeatedly faced challenges since its inauguration in 2023. The torrential rains have added to the mall’s woes, with all sides of the building inundated. Questions have been raised about the mall's location and drainage planning, as similar flooding issues have occurred previously. 

North #Bengaluru's iconic landmark's back entry #BengaluruRainspic.twitter.com/mEBbxoghhV

— Anil Budur Lulla (@anil_lulla)

North #Bengaluru's iconic landmark's back entry #BengaluruRainspic.twitter.com/mEBbxoghhV

— Anil Budur Lulla (@anil_lulla) October 15, 2024

">October 15, 2024

This isn’t the first time the mall has drawn criticism. In 2023, the Bengaluru police ordered the mall to close for 15 days due to the massive traffic chaos it was causing in the area. Unplanned parking arrangements led to severe jams in the already congested north Bengaluru region. The mall management challenged the order in court, but the incident raised concerns about the establishment's planning and impact on local infrastructure.

As the mall struggles to recover from the waterlogging, questions remain about its long-term viability in its current location.