Bengaluru’s Traffic Nightmare: Gridlock and the Quest for Solutions

Bengaluru, the IT hub of India, faces daily traffic congestion that turns commutes into endurance tests. The time it takes to travel short distances varies dramatically, with a two-kilometer journey potentially stretching to two hours. Rain and other factors frequently contribute to traffic snarls. The Deputy CM’s proposal for underground tunnels has ignited political debate, particularly concerning their vulnerability to flooding. Bengaluru’s rapid expansion, driven by the IT boom and migration, has outstripped the city’s infrastructure. This has led to overcrowded roads and inadequate public transport. The TomTom report highlights Bengaluru’s position as one of the world’s slowest cities for traffic. The Outer Ring Road and the Silk Road junction are identified as major congestion points. Officials are working on solutions such as elevated roads and dedicated bus lanes. The Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) points to the absence of peripheral roads, monsoon challenges, and the sheer number of vehicles as contributing factors to the problem.