Kolkata ranks as world's second slowest city for traffic, Bengaluru and Pune follow close behind

Kolkata has been ranked as the second slowest city globally for traffic congestion, according to the 2024 TomTom Traffic Index. The index evaluates traffic conditions in over 500 cities worldwide, providing key insights into the challenges of urban mobility. Kolkata’s average time to travel 10 kilometers in 2024 is recorded at 34 minutes and 33 seconds, placing it second in global rankings, just behind Baranquilla, Colombia, where it takes 36 minutes and 6 seconds for the same distance.

Bengaluru, ranked third in the index, saw an average travel time of 30 minutes and 10 seconds for a 10-kilometer journey in 2024, an increase of 50 seconds from the previous year. Pune, which has entered the rankings for the first time, is placed fourth globally for traffic congestion. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad also feature on the list, with travel times of 29 minutes, 30 minutes, and 29 minutes respectively for 10 kilometers, although their rankings are lower than Kolkata and Bengaluru.

In terms of vehicle speed, Kolkata’s average vehicle speed is 17.4 km per hour, slightly slower than Bengaluru’s average of 17.6 km per hour. Other major cities globally, such as London, report significantly slower speeds, with the average vehicle speed in London at 14 km per hour, while Dublin and Milan have average speeds of 16 km per hour and 17 km per hour respectively. These speeds reflect the high congestion levels in both Indian and global cities, although the factors contributing to traffic jams vary.

The TomTom Traffic Index also highlights other traffic-related metrics, including congestion during peak hours and its economic impact. The index shows that congestion has a substantial effect on commute times and productivity, with commuters in Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Pune spending significant portions of their days in traffic. The report attributes the congestion to several factors, including increasing urban populations, a rising number of vehicles, and inadequate road infrastructure. Despite efforts to improve infrastructure, these cities continue to face significant traffic management challenges.