Bengaluru's Traffic Woes
Bengaluru's traffic has consistently been a headache for its residents, but the TomTom Traffic Index 2025 has brought to light the severity of the problem.
Ranked as the world's second most congested city, and India’s most congested, Bengaluru faces a struggle that residents are acutely aware of. According to the index, the average congestion level in Bengaluru reached 74.4 percent. The data indicates that commuters spend an average of 36 minutes and 9 seconds to cover a distance of 10 km within the city. This figure is significantly higher than the previous year, with an increase of 2 minutes and 4 seconds compared to the figures in 2024. During the morning rush hour, a 10 km journey took an average of 38 minutes and 13 seconds, with the congestion level at 91.8 percent, which increased to 41 minutes and 40 seconds with a congestion level of 110.9 percent during the evening rush hour. In 2025, commuters in Bengaluru lost 168 hours to rush hour traffic, equivalent to 7 days and 40 minutes, which is 12 hours and 46 minutes more than the previous year. The average speed during the evening rush hour was also significantly low, at 13.2 km/h. This data provides a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by commuters in Bengaluru.
Pune's Congestion Problems
Pune, another major city in India, has also found itself grappling with increasing traffic congestion. The TomTom Traffic Index 2025 placed Pune as the world’s fifth most congested city, with an average congestion level of 71.1 percent. The increase in congestion in Pune was notable, as its average congestion level rose by 5.4 percentage points compared to 2024. The impact of this congestion is seen in the time commuters spend stuck in traffic. In 2025, commuters in Pune lost 152 hours to rush hour traffic, equating to 6 days and 8 hours, an increase of 8 hours and 56 minutes compared to the previous year. Further detailing the congestion, the average distance covered in 15 minutes was 4.2 km. This indicates a slightly slower pace than the previous year's data. These statistics highlight the significant time lost by commuters in Pune due to traffic and the growing challenges associated with urban transportation in the city.
Comparing the Data
Comparing the traffic data between 2024 and 2025 reveals a concerning trend of worsening congestion in both Bengaluru and Pune. In Bengaluru, the average time to travel 10 km in the city increased by more than 2 minutes. The average congestion level rose by 1.7 percentage points, while the time lost to rush hour traffic increased substantially, amounting to over 12 hours more compared to the previous year. Similarly, Pune saw a rise in its average congestion level by 5.4 percentage points. Commuters in Pune experienced an increase in the time wasted in traffic. The comparison underscores the need for effective measures to mitigate traffic congestion and improve the commute experience for residents in these cities. Both cities continue to be among the most congested in the world.
