Bengaluru has been named the second most congested city in the world for 2025, according to the latest TomTom Traffic Index, with rush‑hour speeds plummeting to a mere 13.9 km/h. The report, released on January 22, 2026, shows that commuters in the capital of Karnataka are losing an average of 168 hours per year to traffic delays, a 1.7 % increase from 2024. The city’s ranking has slipped from sixth place in 2023 to third in 2024, and now to second, trailing only Mexico City.
Background / Context
Bengaluru’s rapid transformation into a global IT hub has been accompanied by a surge in vehicle registrations, rising from 1.2 million in 2019 to over 1.5 million in 2025. Yet the road network has not kept pace. The city’s 2025 congestion figures come at a time when the Karnataka government is promoting Bengaluru as the “city of the future” on international platforms, making the stark contrast between ambition and reality all the more striking.
The TomTom Traffic Index aggregates real‑time GPS data from millions of devices, providing a granular view of traffic patterns. Bengaluru’s 13.9 km/h average rush‑hour speed is one kilometre per hour slower than the 14.9 km/h recorded in 2024, and the time to travel 10 km has increased by 2 minutes and 4 seconds, now taking 36 minutes and 9 seconds.
In the global context, the city’s 74.4 % congestion level—meaning motorists lose 74.4 % more time than they would on an uncongested road—places it behind only Mexico City, which recorded a 78.2 % congestion level. Dublin, Ireland, follows Bengaluru with a 70.3 % congestion rate.
Key Developments
According to the report, the worst day on Bengaluru’s roads in 2025 was May 17, a Saturday, when the average congestion level spiked to 101 %. Motorists took 15 minutes to cover just 2.5 km during the evening peak hour. The spike was attributed to a combination of heavy rain, a fallen tree on the Outer Ring Road, and ongoing construction on the Nandi Hills corridor.
Senior police officials have linked Bengaluru’s deteriorating traffic performance to several systemic issues:
- Rapid vehicular growth: The city’s vehicle population has increased by 18 % year‑on‑year, outpacing the expansion of road capacity.
- Stagnant road network: Existing arterial roads have not been widened or upgraded to accommodate the surge in traffic.
- Delayed infrastructure projects: Several key projects, including the Namma Metro Phase‑III and the Outer Ring Road extension, have faced construction delays and budget overruns.
- Inadequate public transport: While the metro network has expanded, last‑mile connectivity remains limited, pushing commuters to rely on private vehicles.
In response, the Karnataka government has announced a ₹12 trillion investment plan for 2026‑27, earmarking ₹3 trillion for road widening, ₹2 trillion for smart traffic management systems, and ₹1 trillion for expanding the metro network. However, critics argue that the plan lacks a clear timeline and fails to address the immediate bottlenecks on key corridors such as the Hosur Road and the Outer Ring Road.
Impact Analysis
For students and young professionals, the congestion crisis translates into longer commutes, higher transportation costs, and reduced productivity. A recent survey by the Bangalore Institute of Technology found that 62 % of students spend more than 90 minutes daily commuting to campus, with an average delay of 25 minutes per trip.
Beyond individual inconvenience, the congestion has broader economic implications. The World Bank estimates that traffic delays cost Bengaluru’s economy approximately ₹1.2 trillion annually, equivalent to 0.8 % of the city’s GDP. The cost includes lost labor hours, increased fuel consumption, and higher vehicle maintenance expenses.
Environmental impacts are also significant. The increased idling time contributes to higher CO₂ emissions, exacerbating Bengaluru’s already high air pollution levels. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has hovered around 150–200 in recent months, placing it in the “unhealthy” category.
Expert Insights / Tips
Traffic engineer Dr. Ananya Rao advises commuters to adopt flexible work schedules. “If you can shift your work hours to avoid peak traffic, you can save up to 30 minutes per day,” she says. She also recommends using the city’s growing network of cycle lanes and electric scooters for short‑distance travel.
Public transport advocates suggest leveraging the newly launched “Bengaluru Smart Bus” service, which offers real‑time tracking and dynamic routing. “The smart bus system can reduce travel time by 15 % on average,” notes Ms. Priyanka Menon, director of the Bangalore Transport Authority.
For students, the following practical tips can help mitigate congestion woes:
- Carpooling: Join or form carpool groups with classmates or colleagues to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Use of apps: Apps like Google Maps and Waze now provide live traffic updates and suggest alternate routes.
- Public transport first: Whenever possible, take the metro or bus to a major hub and then use local transport.
- Plan ahead: Check traffic alerts before leaving and adjust departure times accordingly.
Financially, students can benefit from the city’s subsidised public transport passes, which offer a 20 % discount for students holding valid ID cards.
Looking Ahead
The Karnataka government’s 2026‑27 investment plan is a step in the right direction, but its success hinges on timely execution. The upcoming Phase‑III expansion of the Namma Metro, slated to open in 2028, is expected to alleviate pressure on key corridors. Additionally, the proposed “Smart Traffic Management System” aims to integrate AI‑driven traffic signals, real‑time incident detection, and predictive analytics to optimise flow.
Urban planners are also exploring the concept of “traffic‑free zones” in the city’s core, restricting private vehicle access during peak hours. While controversial, such measures could significantly reduce congestion if implemented effectively.
In the medium term, the city’s focus on expanding cycling infrastructure and promoting electric mobility could shift commuter behaviour. The Bangalore City Corporation has announced plans to install 500 new electric scooter charging stations by 2027, aiming to make electric mobility a viable alternative for short‑distance travel.
Ultimately, Bengaluru’s journey to becoming a congestion‑free city will require a multi‑pronged approach: infrastructure upgrades, smart technology integration, behavioural change, and robust policy enforcement. The 2025 TomTom Traffic Index report serves as a wake‑up call, highlighting the urgency of addressing the city’s traffic challenges before they further erode economic productivity and quality of life.
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