Bengaluru Commuters Face Hidden Costs of Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion in Bengaluru is becoming a significant concern for residents, with many viewing it as a hidden cost impacting their daily lives. An online discussion on Reddit has brought attention to the profound effects of commuting, highlighting not just the time lost but also the financial burdens associated with prolonged travel times.

For instance, one Oracle employee residing in JP Nagar shared insights into his daily commute to Outer Ring Road. With an annual salary of ₹28 lakhs (excluding Restricted Stock Units), he contributes ₹6.5 lakh in income tax and ₹1.4 lakh in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on his daily expenses. Despite these financial contributions, the employee’s 14-kilometre journey, which ideally takes just 30 minutes, frequently extends to 90 minutes, resulting in nearly 2.5 months of lost time each year. This situation illustrates a growing sentiment among Bengaluru’s workforce: commuting costs are not solely financial but also measured in hours wasted.

Impact on Productivity and Health

The discussion on Reddit further delves into the implications of traffic congestion on productivity and health. Users expressed how both work efficiency and personal well-being are adversely affected by the city’s polluted air and constant traffic jams. One user noted, “If you put an engineer working in Bangalore in any foreign country with cleaner air and no traffic, they will become 20% more efficient with no other changes.” This remark encapsulates the frustration felt by many, who argue that the everyday challenges of commuting lead to health issues and decreased workplace productivity.

Another user compared their experiences in Bengaluru with those in the United States and Europe, stating, “I was 50% more efficient in the US and Europe. In France, even with public transport, it used to take 20 minutes for 10 km door to door.” Health concerns were also highlighted, with one user describing daily struggles with coughs, colds, and headaches despite taking preventive measures like wearing masks and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Complex Urban Challenges

Beyond the immediate frustrations of commuting, some comments revealed deeper social and urban challenges contributing to Bengaluru’s traffic woes. One user articulated the sentiment of despair regarding the situation, stating, “Even a civil war cannot fix all these issues, because people have no unity in our country.” This reflects a broader discontent about the lack of effective solutions to urban congestion.

Another user pointed out the limitations of infrastructure planning, arguing that it is unrealistic to expect a city like Bengaluru to develop Singapore-like infrastructure amidst a rapidly growing population. They suggested that the central government should consider tax incentives for foreign companies to invest in tier-two cities, which could help distribute the population more evenly and alleviate pressure on Bengaluru.

The views and experiences shared in this article are based on publicly available online discussions and personal opinions of users. The Times of India does not verify the accuracy of individual claims and is not responsible for any actions or conclusions drawn from them.

Bengaluru’s traffic situation is emblematic of a larger issue faced by many urban centers around the world, where the balance between growth and livability remains a pressing challenge. As residents grapple with the hidden costs of commuting, the conversation is likely to continue, pushing for tangible changes in infrastructure and urban planning.