Bengaluru Ranks World’s Second Most Congested City, Pune at Fifth — Here’s Which City Tops the List

Bengaluru: Known nationwide for its traffic snarls, Bengaluru has now earned an unwelcome global distinction. According to the TomTom Traffic Index 2025, the Karnataka capital has been ranked the second most traffic-congested city in the world. The report reveals that traveling just 10 kilometres in Bengaluru takes more than 36 minutes on average, while during peak hours the journey can stretch beyond 40 minutes.

The ranking places Mexico City at number one, making it the most congested city globally. Ireland’s Dublin ranks third, followed by Łódź in Poland at fourth place. Pune, Maharashtra’s fast-growing city, stands at fifth position, making it the second Indian city in the global top five.

10 Kilometres, 36 Minutes — A Daily Struggle

The TomTom report highlights that an average driver in Bengaluru spent over seven days a year stuck in traffic. In 2025, covering a 10-km distance took an average of 36 minutes and 9 seconds. The city recorded an average congestion level of 74.4%, marking an increase of 1.7 percentage points compared to 2024.

The findings are based on an extensive analysis of 3.65 trillion kilometres of driving data worldwide. According to the index, May 17, 2025, witnessed the worst traffic congestion in Bengaluru.

Peak Hours Push Commute Times Even Higher

Traffic conditions worsen significantly during peak hours. In the morning rush, it takes around 41 minutes and 6 seconds to travel 10 kilometres, with average vehicle speeds dropping to 14.6 km/h. In the evening, the situation deteriorates further—10 kilometres can take 45 minutes and 27 seconds, and average speeds fall to just 13.2 km/h.

Due to these delays, Bengaluru commuters lost an estimated 168 hours annually in traffic, equivalent to 7 days and 40 minutes. The report also notes that even short trips are challenging—on average, only 4.2 kilometres can be covered in 15 minutes within the city.

Two Indian Cities in Global Top Five

India features prominently in the congestion rankings, with Bengaluru at second place and Pune at fifth. The presence of two Indian cities in the global top five highlights growing concerns over urban infrastructure, rapid vehicle growth, and insufficient public transport capacity.

About TomTom Traffic Index

TomTom is a Netherlands-based location technology company renowned for its digital maps, navigation software, and real-time traffic services. Each year, it releases the TomTom Traffic Index to assess and compare traffic congestion levels across cities worldwide.

The 2025 report underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban mobility solutions, particularly in fast-expanding cities like Bengaluru and Pune, where traffic congestion has become a daily test of patience for millions.