Bengaluru Ranks as World’s Third Slowest City in Traffic
Bengaluru, often hailed as the Silicon Valley of India, is now facing a severe urban dilemma as it ranks as the world’s third slowest city for traffic in 2024, according to the latest TomTom Traffic Index. Commuters in the city are now spending an average of 30 minutes and 10 seconds to cover just 10 kilometers, a staggering 50-second increase compared to the previous year. Bengaluru’s traffic woes are so pronounced that it now trails only Barranquilla in Colombia (36 minutes and 6 seconds) and Kolkata (34 minutes and 33 seconds), which holds the global second spot. This year’s report paints a grim picture of the worsening traffic congestion that has plagued the city for years.
The impact of Bengaluru’s traffic crisis is felt most during rush hours, with commuters often spending more than 40 minutes to traverse a mere 10-kilometer stretch. The most congested day in 2024 was October 5, when drivers endured an average travel time of 39 minutes and 21 seconds, with congestion levels peaking at 58%. During the morning rush, commuters faced average travel times of 38 minutes and 50 seconds, while evening traffic proved even more challenging with delays extending to 41 minutes and 59 seconds. These statistics highlight an alarming increase in road congestion and travel times, leading many to wonder whether Bengaluru’s infrastructure can keep pace with its growing population and vehicle numbers.
On a domestic scale, Bengaluru ranks as India’s second slowest city, following Kolkata. However, Bengaluru’s traffic issues are particularly exacerbated by the rapid rise in the number of private vehicles on the road. As of March 2023, Bengaluru surpassed New Delhi in terms of the number of private vehicles, with a staggering 23.1 lakh private vehicles, compared to New Delhi’s 20.7 lakh. This surge in private vehicle ownership contributes significantly to the city’s traffic gridlock, as it leads to overcrowded roads and inadequate public transportation alternatives.
Globally, Bengaluru’s traffic congestion is on par with major cities facing similar challenges. London, the world’s most congested city, recorded an average speed of 14 km/h, followed by cities like Dublin, Milan, Lima, and Toronto, all of which reported slower speeds than Bengaluru. While Bengaluru’s traffic woes mirror those of other urban metropolises, the city’s struggles are amplified by its lack of robust infrastructure to handle such high vehicle volumes. Additionally, Bengaluru’s limited public transport options and underdeveloped road networks further exacerbate the situation.
From a sustainability perspective, Bengaluru’s traffic crisis presents a growing challenge to the city’s environmental goals. The city’s air quality continues to deteriorate, as the increasing number of vehicles directly contributes to pollution. Moreover, the expanding urban sprawl, coupled with inadequate infrastructure, puts pressure on the city’s resources, leading to unsustainable urbanisation. The rising emissions from private vehicles, combined with the rising noise levels, further harm the environment, contributing to long-term sustainability issues. Addressing Bengaluru’s traffic woes will require not only better urban planning and road infrastructure but also a concerted effort to reduce private vehicle usage through effective public transport systems, promotion of electric vehicles, and sustainable urban policies.
In conclusion, Bengaluru’s recognition as one of the slowest cities for traffic is a wake-up call for policymakers and urban planners. The city’s rapid growth and infrastructure challenges have led to a dramatic increase in travel times, affecting the quality of life for millions of residents. To address these issues, the city must prioritise sustainable urban planning, expand public transport systems, and adopt green technologies. Only through a coordinated effort can Bengaluru hope to alleviate its traffic congestion and ensure a more sustainable future for its citizens.
