A Bengaluru resident’s short trip turned into a harrowing experience when it took him 1.5 hours to cover just 7 kilometres on HAL Road near Varthur — while his eight-month-pregnant wife sat anxiously beside him, headed for a routine medical check-up.
The incident came to light after the man shared his ordeal on the r/bangalore subreddit, describing how the city’s ever-worsening traffic left him helpless and worried about what might have happened in a real emergency. His post quickly went viral, sparking an outpouring of frustration and debate over Bengaluru’s crippling congestion.
🧍 Public outrage online
Thousands of users resonated with his concern, calling Bengaluru’s gridlock “beyond repair.” Many shared similar stories of long travel times for short distances, particularly during peak hours. Some even advised expectant couples to consider temporary relocation in their final months of pregnancy due to unpredictable traffic delays.
🚦 The bigger picture
Bengaluru’s traffic crisis is not a one-off problem. Urban experts say it stems from rapid population growth, poor urban planning, and overlapping infrastructure projects. Simultaneous metro works, road widening, and uncoordinated construction have created daily choke points throughout the city.
According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Bengaluru consistently ranks among the worst cities in India for commute times. Reports indicate that a 10-km journey can easily stretch into over two hours during rush hour, with average one-way commute times rising every year.
🏙️ A city at crossroads
Critics argue that long-term fixes—like better public transport integration, completion of pending bypass projects, and stricter control on private vehicle registrations—are essential. Until then, residents continue to face exhausting daily commutes that often test patience, health, and safety.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
