Traffic congestion is a major problem in most of the urban centres of India. Many major cities in India are grappling with traffic jams leading to long commute times. The exponential growth in vehicular traffic in the recent years has been much more than the growth of road infrastructure in the country, thereby leading to inadequate space for the burgeoning traffic. Lack of sufficient public transportation to cater to the huge population also increases the reliance on private vehicles which, in turn, serves to increase the pressure on roads. Traffic congestion not only causes environmental damage due to increased emission of pollutants but also leads to economic losses. Here is a list of the top 10 highly traffic congested cities in India for the year 2025.
1. Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital city of the state of West Bengal, is known for its colonial buildings and rich cultural heritage but has now acquired the infamous status of being the most traffic congested city in India. Average travel time to cover 10 kilometres in this city is 34 minutes 33 seconds which can go up to over 1 hour during peak hours.
Inadequate road infrastructure, high population density and lack of proper public transport coupled with increase in vehicular traffic have contributed to the problem of traffic congestion in Kolkata. However, the development of metro rail network is expected to ease some burden off the roads.
2. Bengaluru
Bengaluru, the capital city of the state of Karnataka, is dubbed the Silicon Valley of India. However, the city has gained an unenviable reputation for its traffic deadlocks. The average commute time in Bengaluru to cover 10 kilometres is 34 minutes which can cross 1 hour during peak hours.
Bengaluru has witnessed rapid urbanisation in the recent times and a huge influx of migrants from all over India. However, the transport infrastructure growth has not matched the proliferation of vehicles. Expansion of metro rail and new road projects are expected to reduce traffic congestion in the future.
3. Pune
Pune, a fast growing city in the state of Maharashtra, is at the third position in traffic congestion with an average travel time of 33 minutes 22 seconds to cover 10 kilometres. The major reasons behind traffic congestion in Pune are poor quality of roads, lack of a reliable public transportation system and constant road construction activities.
Traffic congestion in Pune is further exacerbated by the addition of 2.5 lakh new vehicles each year. Some of the solutions suggested by experts to ease traffic congestion in Pune include redesigning poorly planned intersections, repairing potholed roads and taking action against unauthorised parking.
4. Hyderabad
Hyderabad, the capital city of the state of Telangana, is a major IT centre which has led to its rapid urbanisation. However, the city is grappling with traffic congestion, with an average travel time to cover 10 kilometres standing at 31 minutes 30 seconds. Most severe traffic congested areas in the city are Hitech City and Gachibowli.
Major reasons behind the traffic woes of Hyderabad are unplanned infrastructure development, high population density and inadequate public transportation facilities.
5. Chennai
Chennai, the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, features both heritage buildings and industrial establishments. However, the city faces the problem of traffic congestion with an average travel time of 30 minutes 20 seconds to cover 10 kilometres. The problem is worse in the older parts of the city.
Major contributing factors to traffic congestion in Chennai are lack of planned roads, narrow roads, multiple infrastructure projects like gas pipelines and overburdened public transportation system.
6. Mumbai
Mumbai, the capital city of the state of Maharashtra and also the financial capital of India, is widely known for its traffic jams. The average travel time in this city to cover 10 kilometres is 29 minutes 26 seconds. Huge population density, lack of proper maintenance of the roads and massive number of vehicles are the major reasons behind traffic congestion in this city.
Mumbai has a vast network of local trains which reduces some burden on the roads but even this transportation infrastructure is overburdened.
7. Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, a major city and commercial centre of the state of Gujarat, is among the top traffic congested cities in India, with an average travel time of 29 minutes 3 seconds to cover 10 kilometres. Rapid increase in number of vehicles in the city and disregard for traffic rules like illegal parking of vehicles are the major reasons behind traffic congestion in the city.
Hotspots of traffic congestion and haphazard parking in Ahmedabad are Bopal Junction, Science City, Prahladnagar and Shyamal.
8. Ernakulam
Ernakulam, a city in the coastal state of Kerala, is among the most traffic congested cities in India, with an average travel time of 28 minutes 30 seconds to cover 10 kilometres. There are multiple reasons for traffic snarls in the city. They include narrow roads, widespread encroachments, poorly planned junctions and illegal parking of vehicles due to lack of proper parking spaces. Lack of proper public transportation compounds the problem.
9. Jaipur
Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan, features in the list of most traffic congested cities in India, with an average travel time of 28 minutes 28 seconds for every 10 kilometres. There are multiple reasons behind traffic congestion in Jaipur, such as rapid increase in the number of vehicles, high tourist influx and inadequate public transportation systems. Hotspots of traffic congestion in the city are Jhotwara, Raja Park, Sodala and vicinity of Walled City.
10. New Delhi
New Delhi, the national capital of India, is last among the top traffic congested cities in India, owing to its better average travel time of 23 minutes 24 seconds for every 10 kilometres. Even though the city has a vast network of metro rail and wider roads, traffic congestion is still an issue. Excessively high number of vehicles and dense population are the major reasons behind traffic congestion in the city.
Conclusion
Traffic congestion in Indian cities can be effectively addressed by strengthening the public transportation systems, building and maintaining high-grade road infrastructure, proper town planning, better traffic management and development of pedestrian and cycle-friendly infrastructure.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.