Big lighting, drone show triggers traffic chaos in Mysuru

Traffic jam around 11.30 pm on Irwin Road in Mysuru on Saturday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Grand illuminations and crowds returning after the Dasara drone show triggered a massive traffic snarl across Mysuru on Saturday night, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill in several key areas and keeping the police on alert till midnight.

The worst congestion was reported in the city center, especially around the Mysuru Palace and the Dasara fairgrounds, where spectacular illuminations attracted large crowds. The roads leading to and around the palace witnessed a steady flow of vehicles as people arrived to view the illuminated palace, streets and historic structures and later headed home after the drone show staged at the Torchlight Parade Grounds.

Heavy rush was also witnessed around the railway station and the suburban bus terminal as vehicles converged on the busy junctions amid the festive rush. Cars and two-wheelers lined the roads while traffic moved at a snail’s pace on several stretches.

Saturday’s traffic situation presented a big challenge for the traffic police officers who had difficulty in clearing the traffic jam.

The traffic snarl has highlighted the pressure on city roads during the Dasara festivities, especially at night when the illuminations and major attractions attract large crowds.

As the spectacular illuminations continue to attract visitors, managing traffic around the palace and other major attractions remains a key challenge for the police during the festival. The next two days will also be tough for the traffic police because of the Dasara finale.

Published – 18 Oct 2026 18:14 IST