Pune Ranked Third-Most Congested City in India Amid Rising Traffic Woes
Pune’s rapid urban growth and its status as an educational and industrial hub have long been a double-edged sword for its residents. The city, now ranked as the third-most congested in India, has witnessed a dramatic rise in traffic congestion over recent years, a troubling trend highlighted in the ‘TomTom Traffic Index Report 2024.’ The report, released on January 12, 2025, reveals that Pune’s congestion levels are worsening year-on-year, earning it the dubious distinction of being fourth in the world and third in India, right behind Kolkata and Bengaluru. With the average time it takes to cover just 10 kilometres in Pune now at 33 minutes, it is evident that the city’s traffic issues are spiralling out of control.
This spike in congestion in Pune has been closely tied to rapid urbanisation, increased vehicle registrations, and growing migration from surrounding regions. The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) reported a 3.47% increase in vehicle registrations in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a total of 3.03 lakh vehicles registered in the city, up from 2.93 lakh in 2023. With more vehicles on the road and insufficient infrastructural upgrades, the strain on the city’s roads has led to longer commute times and a drop in overall mobility. The city’s average vehicle speed is now a mere 18 km/h, a stark contrast to international cities where road traffic is managed more efficiently.
The rising congestion is not just an inconvenience but also poses a serious threat to the city’s sustainability. The increasing number of vehicles contributes to air pollution, carbon emissions, and deteriorating quality of life for residents. Pune, which was once celebrated for its pleasant weather and high quality of living, now faces challenges on the environmental front as well. The increase in vehicle numbers also puts a strain on the existing road infrastructure and public transport systems. Despite the introduction of metro services and new flyovers, the city’s traffic woes continue to worsen, proving that these measures have been insufficient in alleviating the issue.
Addressing Pune’s traffic crisis will require an integrated and sustainable approach from both authorities and residents. As Atul Namekar, a traffic expert and secretary of the Sinhagad Road-Warje Residents’ Association, pointed out, the need for more effective and sustainable solutions is urgent. Urban planners must focus not only on enhancing road infrastructure but also on promoting public transport alternatives and non-motorised modes of transport. The city could benefit from more efficient use of space, encouraging carpooling, and investing in greener public transport options such as electric buses and bike-sharing systems. Additionally, authorities must prioritise better waste management, improved pedestrian facilities, and stricter regulations on vehicular emissions to reduce the carbon footprint.
As Pune’s population grows and more vehicles crowd its roads, the path forward lies in striking a delicate balance between infrastructure development and sustainability. The city must adopt smart urban mobility strategies, promote the use of cleaner technologies, and ensure that growth does not come at the cost of the environment and residents’ quality of life.
