Whalesbook
### Urban Gridlock Intensifies
Bengaluru commuters faced a stark reality in 2025, losing an estimated 168 hours to rush-hour traffic, equivalent to nearly a full working week. This significant time loss, stemming from an average congestion level of 74.4%, places Bengaluru as the second most congested city globally, trailing only Mexico City according to TomTom's latest mobility data. Journeys of just 4.2 kilometers during peak hours took an average of 15 minutes, resulting in a slow average speed of 16.6 km/h. This represents a decline from 18 km/h in 2024, signaling a worsening traffic situation and increased strain on the city's infrastructure. The findings highlight the growing pressure on road networks driven by escalating vehicle numbers and insufficient public transport capacity.
### India's Broadening Congestion Crisis
The congestion problem is not confined to Bengaluru. Kolkata was also ranked among the world's slowest cities. Nationally, India stands as the fifth most congested country globally and second in Asia. Pune has now surpassed Mumbai as the fifth most congested city worldwide, with its commuters losing 152 hours annually, while Mumbai saw a marginal improvement, reducing lost time to 126 hours. New Delhi ranked 23rd, with other Indian cities also featuring in the global index. This widespread gridlock has significant economic implications, with studies indicating substantial productivity losses and fuel wastage due to traffic jams. The annual cost of traffic congestion in Indian cities is estimated to be billions of dollars, impacting economic activity and quality of life.
### Evolving Commute Patterns Amidst Global Trends
The 2025 data reflects a broader global shift in commuting behavior, influenced by factors such as flexible work arrangements and an increase in daytime errands. Traditional morning peaks have become more dispersed, with traffic extending later into the morning and midday traffic showing noticeable increases. Evening travel patterns have also changed, with congestion building earlier, from around 3 pm, and persisting later into the evening, resulting in slower speeds despite a flatter peak. Globally, congestion levels increased significantly in 2025, with a notable rise reported across many major cities, including London, Dublin, and several in the Americas. The TomTom Traffic Index methodology, which analyzes over 3.65 trillion kilometers of global trip data, aims to track these evolving urban mobility trends. In 2025, researchers from Down To Earth and the Centre for Science and Environment also released reports examining congestion in Indian cities, linking mobility patterns to air quality and noting doubled travel times in many areas.