New Indian traffic index crowns Bengaluru as the most congested city

The newly unveiled Traffic Quality Index (TQI) has crowned Bengaluru as the most congested city in India — a title it has been repeatedly getting from the Amsterdam-based TomTom Traffic Index.

According to a report in Deccan Herald, Bengaluru’s score was alarming in the extreme congestion category, with its scores ranging from 800 to 1,000.

Among the other cities, Mumbai ranked second with 787 points, while Delhi and Hyderabad came third and fourth, respectively, with 747 and 718, respectively.

Bengaluru at its best and worst

According to the findings, it is best to drive through Bengaluru at 8 am while congestion peaks at 6 pm.

These reports were reportedly shared at the Mobility Symposium held by Move In Sync, a commute solution provider.

Also read: Bengaluru, Pune still among top 10 congested cities but IT city got faster: TomTom index

At the symposium, Deepesh Agarwal, co-founder of Move In Sync, said the TQI has been modelled after the air quality index (AQI).

Need to study root cause

During a panel discussion, joint commissioner of police (traffic) Anucheth MN revealed that even with AI-powered cameras, it is a struggle to manage peak Bengaluru traffic and during monsoon. He said the department now plans to introduce advanced tech-based traffic simulators at 55 key junctions.

Other speakers suggested that it was important to study the root causes of Bengaluru’s traffic congestion and find solutions accordingly. One felt the focus should be on enhancing public transport and not on building flyovers.

BS Prahlad, engineer-in-chief of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), said the government may build tunnel roads, elevated corridors, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to reduce congestion.