Bengaluru has been ranked as one of the most congested cities in Asia, with drivers spending an average of 28 minutes and 10 seconds to travel just 10 kilometers, according to the TomTom Traffic Index 2023. The report highlights the growing traffic woes in the city, which, despite its status as a major tech hub, continues to struggle with severe congestion.
The traffic index, which surveyed 387 cities across 55 countries, ranks Bengaluru alongside other cities facing similar challenges. Despite rapid urban development, the city’s infrastructure has been unable to keep up with its expanding population, leading to some of the slowest travel times in the region. As a result, residents of Bengaluru spend approximately 132 extra hours annually stuck in traffic during peak hours.
In comparison to Bengaluru, Pune ranks second in India with an average travel time of 27 minutes and 50 seconds for the same 10-kilometer stretch. Other cities like Manila (Philippines) and Taichung (Taiwan) also feature in the top rankings, with average travel times of 27 minutes 20 seconds and 26 minutes 50 seconds, respectively.
The TomTom Traffic Index provides comprehensive data not only on travel times but also on fuel costs and CO2 emissions, offering a broad view of traffic conditions around the world. This information is crucial for urban planners, policymakers, and everyday commuters looking to navigate the challenges of growing urban congestion.
Globally, the report also highlights London as the slowest city for driving in 2022, where drivers spent an average of 37 minutes and 20 seconds to cover 10 kilometers, underscoring the universal nature of traffic problems in major metropolitan areas.
Bengaluru’s Response: Revamped Traffic Website
In an effort to tackle its traffic issues, Bengaluru’s Traffic Police launched a redesigned website recently, aimed at enhancing the city’s traffic management. The revamped platform, available at https://btp.karnataka.gov.in, offers a modern interface with improved navigation and advanced features designed to streamline traffic-related services. Officials hope that the new platform will make traffic management and enforcement more efficient, providing citizens with real-time updates and access to key traffic information.
Despite these efforts, Bengaluru’s traffic problems persist, with many pointing to the city’s rapid urbanization and lack of sufficient infrastructure as key factors in the ongoing congestion. With its population continuing to grow, the need for better traffic management solutions, including smarter systems and improved public transport, has never been more urgent.
As global cities continue to struggle with similar traffic challenges, the TomTom Traffic Index remains a valuable resource for understanding and addressing the widespread impact of urban congestion.
BY – KARTIK
