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Kolkata Ranks Among World’s Slowest Cities, Leaving Bengaluru And Pune Behind

TomTom Traffic Index reveals Kolkata's surge in congestion, overtaking Bengaluru.

by Siddhi Tendulkar
Kolkata Ranks Among World’s Slowest Cities, Leaving Bengaluru And Pune Behind

India’s bustling metropolitan cities are increasingly becoming notorious for their sluggish traffic. According to the recently released TomTom Traffic Index, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Pune are now ranked among the world’s top five slowest cities. The index highlights a concerning rise in congestion levels, especially in Kolkata, which has overtaken Bengaluru as the slowest city in India.

Kolkata Leads The List Of Slowest Cities

slowest cities
Picture Credits: Canva Pro

The TomTom Traffic Index data reveals that Kolkata is now ranked as the second slowest city in the world. Commuters in Kolkata spend an average of 34 minutes and 33 seconds covering just 10 kilometres. This marks a dramatic rise in traffic congestion, pushing Bengaluru, the previous chart-topper, to the third spot.

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Bengaluru, the IT hub of India, now sees an average travel time of 34 minutes and 10 seconds for a 10-kilometre journey, while Pune, ranked fourth globally, averages around 33 minutes and 22 seconds. These findings underline a worrying trend of increasing vehicular movement and reduced average speeds, making these Indian metropolises some of the world’s slowest cities.

What Makes These Cities So Slow?

slowest cities
Picture Credits: Canva Pro

One of the primary reasons behind the slow movement in these cities is their rapid urbanisation without proportional infrastructure development. The burgeoning number of vehicles, narrow roads, and ongoing construction projects contribute significantly to the prolonged travel time. The slowest cities ranking has brought attention to the urgent need for improved public transport systems and sustainable urban planning.

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The Impact On Daily Life

slowest cities
Picture Credits: Canva Pro

Living in one of the slowest cities in the world has a tangible impact on the quality of life. Commuters often face heightened stress levels, increased fuel consumption, and lost productive hours. To mitigate these challenges, urban planners need to adopt innovative approaches, including expanding metro networks, encouraging carpooling, and integrating smart traffic management systems.

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The latest findings from the TomTom Traffic Index serve as a wake-up call for local governments to address the worsening congestion issues. With cities like Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Pune consistently ranking among the slowest cities globally, a strategic overhaul of urban mobility solutions is long overdue.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro

First Published: April 02, 2025 11:29 AM