1 / 12My previous office was in Elphinstone, Lower Parel in Mumbai, to which I would mostly commute via a local train as it would take my just 12 minutes to reach. Occasionally, I would drive to office cause either a meeting continued for longer than expected or, I had some important calls to attend, which couldn’t be taken on a train. Soon, I realised how annoying it would get to drive as a smooth 20 mins off-peak hour drive otherwise would convert into a nightmarish two-hour drive. (Image: PTI)
2 / 12Hence, I decided to ditch the car altogether. But I can connect with you all who have to drive to office especially in cities like New Delhi and Bengaluru, as I’ve worked in both cities and used to drive to office. This was pre-COVID of course! Cut to 2025, according to the latest TomTom Traffic index ranking, things haven’t improved in some of the most congested urban areas globally. In fact, traffic congestions in some cities in India have gotten worse. For example, Kolkata now takes the top spot for being the most-congested city, overtaking what used to the traffic jams capital of India, Bengaluru. Let’s take a look at the most congested cities in India and the world in 2024-25.(Image: PTI)
3 / 12No 1. Barranquilla, Colombia | Barranquilla’s streets are notorious for their traffic bottlenecks, especially during rush hours when getting from one side of the city to the other can take much longer than expected. The limited road infrastructure struggles to accommodate the growing number of vehicles, often leading to gridlocks. Public transportation options are also overwhelmed, making it a challenge for residents to commute efficiently during peak periods. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 12No 2. Kolkata, India | Kolkata experiences some of the worst traffic congestions in India, with peak hours seeing long delays across the city’s narrow, crowded streets. The combination of heavy vehicular traffic, poor road conditions, and limited public transport lead to severe slowdowns, often turning a short trip into a lengthy ordeal. Additionally, the mix of pedestrian and vehicle traffic make commuting frustrating for everyone. (Image: Shutterstock)
5 / 12No 3. Bengaluru, India | Known for its booming IT sector, Bengaluru continues to suffer from severe traffic jams, especially during morning and evening rush hours. The city’s infrastructure struggles to keep pace with its rapid population growth, leading to clogged roads and long commutes. As a result, what should be a short trip can take much longer. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 12No 4. Pune, India | The western Indian city’s rapidly expanding population and infrastructure limitations contribute to chronic traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Vehicles moving at a crawl on major roads are common, and frequent construction work exacerbates delays. The situation is complicated by the lack of sufficient public transport options, forcing many to rely on personal vehicles. (Image: Shutterstock)
7 / 12No 5. London, England | London is notorious for its heavy traffic, particularly in central areas, where gridlocks can make a 10 km journey much longer than expected. Congestion pricing, roadworks, and a high number of vehicles on roads contribute to slow travel times, with delays peaking during the morning and evening rush hours. Public transport, while extensive, often feels overcrowded and doesn’t fully alleviate the issue. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 12No 6. Kyoto, Japan | According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Kyoto, although smaller than some major cities in Japan, struggles with traffic congestion due to its narrow roads and dense population. During peak hours, getting around can become a slow and frustrating experience, as buses and cars compete for limited space on the streets. The city’s cultural landmarks and tourism traffic add to the congestion, especially in popular districts. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 12No 7. Lima, Peru | Lima suffers from some of the most congested roads in Latin America, with frequent traffic jams becoming worse during rush hour. Narrow streets, poorly managed public transport, and a high volume of vehicles make moving around the city a challenge. Traffic congestions are compounded by informal drivers and frequent road closures, leading to prolonged travel times. (Image: Reuters)
10 / 12No 8. Davao City, Philippines | The city, known for its growing urban sprawl, experiences heavy traffic congestion during peak hours as infrastructure is stretched thin. Narrow streets and a lack of efficient public transport options often result in gridlocks, with a 10 km journey taking much longer than expected. The city’s roads are frequently blocked by construction, making traffic flow worse during busy hours. (Image: Reuters)
11 / 12No 9. Trujillo, Peru | In Trujillo, one of Peru’s largest cities, traffic congestion is a daily challenge, particularly during peak hours. The limited road infrastructure and rapid increase in vehicle ownership result in gridlock, with long delays becoming common on busy routes. Public transport is often overcrowded and unreliable, adding to the time it takes to travel short distances. (Image: Reuters)
12 / 12No 10. Dublin, Ireland | Dublin’s roads are frequently clogged during peak hours, with traffic jams extending for kilometres and making simple trips much longer than expected. The city’s infrastructure is under pressure due to rapid urbanisation and a lack of sufficient public transport options. Construction work and road closures frequently exacerbate delays, particularly in and around the city centre. (Image: Shutterstock)
