Pune Ranks 4th Globally for Travel Time Urgent Action Required to Tackle Traffic Congestion
Pune, a city known for its vibrant culture and rapidly growing infrastructure, has been facing severe traffic congestion, which has now earned it a worrying spot in the global rankings. According to the 2024 TomTom Traffic Index, Pune has secured the 4th position globally for the longest average travel times, underscoring the critical nature of its urban mobility challenges. This ranking is based on the average time it takes to traverse 10 kilometres within the city. The study, which covers over 500 cities across 62 countries, shows that Pune’s residents spend a significant amount of time on the road, with average travel times reaching a staggering 33 minutes and 22 seconds.
Despite showing a slight improvement from 2023, when the average travel time was slightly longer, Pune’s congestion level remains a major concern. The city currently operates at a congestion level of 34%, slightly higher than Kolkata (32%) but lower than Bengaluru (38%). The effect of this congestion is profound, with the average Pune resident losing approximately 108 hours each year during rush hours. These numbers reflect not just the frustration of daily commuters but also the broader impact on productivity and quality of life in the city. The fact that Pune ranks 128th globally in overall congestion levels paints a grim picture of the challenges that lie ahead in alleviating the city’s traffic issues.
Comparing Pune’s situation with other major cities in India reveals a mixed landscape. Pune fares better than Kolkata and Bengaluru in terms of average travel time, but when it comes to congestion levels and time lost in traffic, it lags behind in terms of efficiency. Bengaluru, with its 38% congestion level, still stands as a major bottleneck, but Pune’s increasing congestion could soon surpass the southern city’s already daunting traffic issues if left unaddressed. For Pune residents, the experience of being stuck in traffic not only results in a loss of valuable time but also contributes to a growing environmental crisis, as the continuous gridlock increases vehicular emissions.
Addressing the ongoing traffic crisis in Pune requires immediate action from city planners and local authorities. In response to these findings, experts suggest that the city should urgently focus on expanding and improving its public transport systems, with better connectivity across key areas to reduce dependence on private vehicles. Additionally, the implementation of smart traffic management systems could help optimise traffic flow and reduce the impact of congestion. For sustainable urban growth, Pune must also consider incentivising alternative modes of transport, such as cycling, electric vehicles, and carpooling, which can significantly reduce the burden on the city’s roads.
Furthermore, the sustainability angle is critical in Pune’s traffic woes. High congestion not only affects human productivity but also has a detrimental environmental impact. With over 1.5 million vehicles currently registered in the city, the carbon footprint of this vehicular dependence is substantial. The increasing number of vehicles on the road contributes to air pollution, noise, and rising carbon emissions, all of which are detrimental to both public health and the environment. Moving forward, Pune must adopt more sustainable urban mobility solutions, focusing on creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, promoting electric vehicles, and improving green public transportation options. Sustainable traffic management is key to ensuring that Pune’s growth remains balanced with the city’s environmental and social goals.
