Pune Ranks Second in India, Fifth Globally in Traffic Congestion: TomTom Report
Pune, 22nd January 2026: Even as traffic congestion figured prominently in recent civic election debates, Pune continues to struggle with slow-moving traffic. According to the 2025 congestion data released by Netherlands-based location technology firm TomTom, Pune ranks fifth globally among the world’s most congested cities and is the second most congested city in India to feature in the global top 10.
The report shows that motorists in Pune take an average of 33 minutes and 20 seconds to cover a distance of 10 kilometres. During peak hours, the average vehicle speed drops to just 15.1 kmph, underlining the severity of congestion.
TomTom conducts an annual global traffic study. As per the 2025 report, Mexico City tops the list of the world’s most congested cities, followed by Bengaluru at the second position globally. At the national level, Bengaluru ranks first in India in terms of congestion, followed by Pune and Mumbai.
The report attributes congestion in Indian cities to rapid urbanisation, a sharp rise in vehicle ownership, narrow roads, encroachments on road space and inadequate planning.
Citizens have urged the Central and State governments, along with local authorities, to adopt scientific and long-term measures to address the issue. Traffic experts have stressed the need to strengthen public transport and encourage its use by improving infrastructure, warning that failure to act could affect the city’s economic, social, environmental and cultural development.
According to TomTom’s 2024 global study, Pune had ranked fourth among the world’s slowest cities. In 2025, the city showed marginal improvement, slipping to fifth place globally. The average congestion level in Pune has been recorded at 71.1 per cent.
Experts also pointed out that Pune’s public transport system remains weak. While the city requires around 4,500 buses, services are currently being operated with only about 2,000.
The lack of strict measures to curb private vehicle use, along with a focus on building wider roads and flyovers, has led to a steady rise in vehicle numbers. Traffic discipline, strict action against violations and effective implementation of a citywide parking policy could help ease congestion, said Ranjit Gadgil, Director of Parisar.
Most Congested Cities in India (2025):
Bengaluru
Pune
Mumbai
New Delhi
Kolkata
Jaipur
Chennai
Hyderabad
Ernakulam
Ahmedabad
