THESE 2 Indian cities are ranked among worst in Asia for traffic congestion, to cover 10 kms here it takes...

Bengaluru Ranks Among Asia’s Worst for Traffic Congestion
Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s tech hub, has been ranked among the worst cities in Asia for traffic congestion, according to the TomTom Traffic Index 2023. Drivers in the city spend an average of 28 minutes and 10 seconds to cover just 10 kilometers, highlighting the severe traffic problems residents face. On average, this results in an additional 132 hours spent in traffic annually during peak hours.

The congestion is attributed to Bengaluru’s rapid population growth and expanding urban infrastructure, which has outpaced the city’s traffic management capabilities. Despite ongoing efforts to improve the situation, Bengaluru’s roads remain among 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. Other cities like Manila in the Philippines and Taichung in Taiwan also face similar challenges, with travel times exceeding 26 minutes.

The TomTom Traffic Index evaluated 387 cities across 55 countries to assess travel times, fuel costs, and CO2 emissions, offering valuable insights for city planners and policymakers to address urban mobility issues. Globally, London holds the title of the slowest city to navigate, with an average travel time of 37 minutes and 20 seconds per 10 kilometers.

Reduction in Accidents in Bengaluru
In a positive development, Bengaluru Traffic Police reported a notable decline in accident cases in 2024. Fatal accidents decreased by 1.26%, while deaths caused by mishaps dropped by 1.90% compared to the previous year. Non-fatal accidents saw a sharper decline of 4.57%, resulting in an overall reduction of nearly 4% in total accidents.

Efforts to identify and rectify accident-prone areas, particularly pedestrian black spots, have contributed significantly to this improvement. Pedestrian fatalities reduced by an impressive 23.17% compared to 2023. However, self-accident cases saw a slight increase of 3.34%, leading to 212 deaths in 2024.

While Bengaluru’s traffic congestion remains a pressing issue, these initiatives offer hope for safer roads in the city.