Brand Bengaluru Takes a Hit as City Ranks Second in Global Traffic Congestion
Bengaluru ranked second globally for traffic congestion in the latest TomTom index, with worsening travel times, slower speeds, and residents losing days each year while Mexico City tops the list.
- Brand Bengaluru image affected by traffic congestion ranking
- Bengaluru placed second in global traffic congestion list
- Traffic congestion slows daily travel across Bengaluru
Karnataka: Bengaluru, long celebrated as India’s technology capital, has drawn global attention for an unwelcome reason. The city has been ranked second among the world’s most traffic congested cities, dealing a fresh blow to the Brand Bengaluru image.
According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Bengaluru now trails only Mexico City in overall congestion levels. The report highlights how everyday travel within the city has steadily become more time consuming, testing the patience of commuters across corridors.
Data from 2025 shows that average congestion in Bengaluru reached 74.4 percent, marking a rise compared to the previous year. During peak hours, vehicle speeds dropped sharply, with evening traffic moving at just over 13 kilometres per hour in many areas.
One of the worst days on record was May 17, 2025, when commuters faced extreme delays. Congestion crossed 100 percent through the day and spiked to 183 percent around 6 pm. On that evening, covering just 2.5 kilometres took nearly 15 minutes.
The report also indicates that drivers in Bengaluru could travel only about 4.2 kilometres in 15 minutes on average. A 10 kilometre journey took more than 36 minutes, up by nearly two minutes compared to 2024, reflecting the steady decline in travel efficiency.
Over an entire year, city residents are estimated to spend around 168 hours stuck in traffic, equivalent to almost seven full days. In contrast, cities like Chennai and Hyderabad recorded relatively healthier congestion levels.
Several Indian cities featured in the global top 35 list, with Pune ranking fifth and Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Chennai appearing further down. Bengaluru’s position near the top has renewed debate around urban planning, infrastructure expansion, and long term traffic management in one of the country’s fastest growing metros.
