According to the TomTom Traffic Index 2023, Bengaluru, frequently called India’s tech hub, has been ranked as one of the most congested cities in Asia. The city’s residents endure significant traffic issues, with drivers spending an average of 28 minutes and 10 seconds to travel just 10 kilometers. This translates to an additional 132 hours spent annually in traffic during peak hours.
Traffic Congestion Challenges in Bengaluru and Other Global Cities
Bengaluru’s rapid population growth and expanding urban infrastructure have outpaced the city’s traffic management capabilities, leading to severe congestion. Despite ongoing efforts to address the issue, the city’s roads remain some of the slowest in Asia. Following Bengaluru, Pune ranks second in the region, with an average travel time of 27 minutes and 50 seconds for 10 kilometers. Similar challenges are faced by other cities like Manila in the Philippines and Taichung in Taiwan, where travel times also exceed 26 minutes.
The TomTom Traffic Index, which assessed 387 cities across 55 countries, provided valuable insights into travel times, fuel costs, and CO2 emissions, helping city planners and policymakers address urban mobility challenges. On a global scale, London is the slowest city to navigate, with an average travel time of 37 minutes and 20 seconds per 10 kilometers.
Decline in Accidents and Pedestrian Fatalities in Bengaluru in 2024
In a positive development, Bengaluru Traffic Police reported a significant decline in accident cases for 2024. The number of fatal accidents decreased by 1.26%, and fatalities resulting from mishaps dropped by 1.90% compared to the previous year. Non-fatal accidents saw a sharper decline of 4.57%, contributing to an overall reduction of nearly 4% in total accidents.
A significant factor behind this improvement has been the efforts to identify and address accident-prone areas, especially pedestrian black spots. As a result, pedestrian fatalities decreased by an impressive 23.17% compared to 2023. However, self-accidents saw a slight rise of 3.34%, leading to 212 deaths in 2024.
