Image Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Google Maps has confirmed what many Bengaluru residents have long suspected: in the city’s notorious traffic, walking can sometimes be quicker than driving.
As India’s IT hub, Bengaluru has seen rapid urbanization and an influx of professionals, which has strained the city’s infrastructure. This has led to severe traffic congestion, exacerbated by inadequate urban planning and limited public transportation options.
A tweet by Ayush Singh highlighted this issue starkly. Singh shared a Google Maps screenshot comparing travel times for a 6 km journey from Brigade Metropolis to KR Puram Railway Station—44 minutes by car versus 42 minutes on foot. Singh’s tweet, captioned “This happens only in Bangalore,” quickly went viral, amassing over 300,000 views in just one day.
Many users resonated with Singh’s experience, though some noted that traffic problems are a common issue in major cities worldwide. Comments such as “Traffic Capital of India” and suggestions to rely on public transport were frequent among the reactions.
Adding to the discussion, a CEO based in Bengaluru proposed an innovative solution inspired by a service in Beijing. This service allows commuters to call for a ‘rescue’ at a cost of $60, where a motorbike picks up the passenger while another person drives their car to a designated location. The aim is to reduce some of the traffic stress and offer a practical alternative for those navigating Bengaluru’s gridlock.
This novel approach underscores the growing need for creative solutions to tackle Bengaluru’s traffic challenges and highlights the broader issue of urban congestion affecting many cities globally.
