The 2024 TomTom Traffic Index shows that Kolkata has become India's most congested city, leaving behind Bengaluru. This highlights the severe traffic challenges faced by urban centres, which are primarily driven by outdated infrastructure and rapid urban growth.
In Kolkata, traffic moves so slowly that the average speed is just 17.4 km/h, which means it takes more than 34 minutes to travel 10 kilometres. Bengaluru and Pune also face heavy traffic. In Bengaluru, it takes about 34 minutes to cover 10 kilometres, while in Pune, the same distance takes around 33 minutes.
Other big cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai have travel times ranging from 29 to 32 minutes for 10 kilometres. But New Delhi is a bit of a surprise. Even though it’s a large city with a huge population, it’s relatively faster, with a 10-kilometer trip taking just 23 minutes on average.
On a global scale, Kolkata and Bengaluru are joined by Barranquilla in Colombia, Pune, and London among the top five cities with the slowest traffic speeds. Interestingly, London is the first European city to appear on this list.
The TomTom Traffic Index assesses congestion by factoring in both static and dynamic elements. Static factors include the physical road infrastructure and city layouts, while dynamic factors focus on peak-hour traffic, weather conditions, and urban mobility trends.
Ralf-Peter Schäfer, Vice President of Traffic at TomTom, says that worsening congestion is a result of insufficient infrastructure, poor road planning, and the increasing demands of urbanization. He emphasizes the need for cities to rethink their infrastructure and urban planning strategies to address these growing challenges.
The report also shows the urgent need for effective urban planning to ease congestion and improve mobility in India’s fast-growing cities. By upgrading infrastructure and implementing sustainable urbanization practices, significant improvements can be made in daily commutes and the overall quality of life for city dwellers.
Kolkata's position as the most congested city in India serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, stressing the need for innovative solutions to promote sustainable urban development and enhance living conditions throughout the country.