India's Urban Mobility Crisis: 2025 Traffic Congestion Rankings Reveal Alarming Trends
India has emerged as the fifth most traffic-congested country globally and second in Asia, according to the latest 2025 TomTom Traffic Index report. The comprehensive study reveals that Indian commuters face an average congestion level of 37.4%, highlighting the severe mobility challenges plaguing the nation's rapidly urbanizing landscape.
Bengaluru Maintains Its Dubious Distinction
Bengaluru continues to hold the unfortunate title of India's most congested city, recording an alarming average congestion level of 74.4%. This places the technology hub at the second position globally, trailing only Mexico City in the worldwide rankings. The city's commuters endure an average of 36 minutes and 9 seconds to travel just 10 kilometers during peak hours, resulting in approximately 168 hours lost annually to traffic delays.
Pune's Dramatic Rise in Congestion Rankings
In a significant shift, Pune has surpassed Mumbai to become India's second-most congested city and fifth globally. The city witnessed a substantial 5.4 percentage point increase in average congestion, reaching 71.1%. Pune commuters now spend around 34 minutes per 10-kilometer journey, translating to 158 hours lost each year to traffic gridlock.
Mumbai's Slight Improvement Amidst National Crisis
While Mumbai has dropped to third position nationally, the city reported a slight decline in congestion to 63.2%. However, commuters still face considerable challenges, with average travel times of 28 minutes and 51 seconds for 10 kilometers, resulting in 126 hours lost annually. This represents a complex picture of urban mobility where even improvements leave substantial room for progress.
Complete Top 10 Indian Cities Traffic Congestion Analysis
The TomTom Traffic Index 2025 provides detailed insights into India's urban transportation challenges:
- Bengaluru, Karnataka: 74.4% congestion (up 1.7 percentage points from 2024), 168 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #2
- Pune, Maharashtra: 71.1% congestion (up 5.4 percentage points from 2024), 152 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #5
- Mumbai, Maharashtra: 63.2% congestion (down 3.3 percentage points from 2024), 126 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #18
- New Delhi, Delhi NCR: 60.2% congestion (up 3.5 percentage points from 2024), 104 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #23
- Kolkata, West Bengal: 58.9% congestion (up 0.3 percentage points from 2024), 150 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #29
- Jaipur, Rajasthan: 58.7% congestion (up 0.4 percentage points from 2024), 121 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #30
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu: 58.6% congestion (up 0.1 percentage points from 2024), 132 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #23
- Hyderabad, Telangana: 55.5% congestion (down 1.3 percentage points from 2024), 123 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #47
- Ernakulam, Kerala: 54.5% congestion (up 0.5 percentage points from 2024), 118 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #25
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat: 49.0% congestion (down 3.8 percentage points from 2024), 106 hours lost annually, Global Rank: #100
Broader Implications of Urban Congestion
The report underscores how India's rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion have paradoxically worsened traffic conditions in major metropolitan areas. Commuters across these cities face daily gridlock during both work and leisure travel, with the economic impact being substantial. According to the study, these congestion patterns result in annual productivity losses equivalent to one full work week for affected individuals.
New Delhi, despite ranking fourth nationally with 60.2% congestion, offers a silver lining with relatively faster travel times. The capital's commuters average just 24 minutes for 10 kilometers, suggesting that congestion percentages don't always directly correlate with actual travel duration.
Kolkata presents another interesting case study, with a congestion level of 58.9% that still makes it one of India's slowest cities for practical commuting, trailing behind Bengaluru in operational efficiency despite lower congestion metrics.
The TomTom Traffic Index 2025 serves as a crucial benchmark for urban planners, policymakers, and citizens alike, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive transportation solutions across India's growing metropolitan centers.
