Which City Has the Highest Traffic in India? Top 10 Most Congested Cities Ranked

Traffic is the one thing every city commuter understands without explanation. The signal turns green, but nothing moves. You check the time, calculate how late you will be, and settle in for the wait. This blog looks at the busiest city in India, along with the list of the top 10 traffic cities in India.

Top 10 Traffic Congested Cities in India 

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Top 10 Most Traffic-Congested Cities in India and What Is Driving the Gridlock

India’s most traffic-congested cities highlight the growing gap between urban growth and transport infrastructure. This ranking of the top 10 busiest cities in India explains where commute delays are worst and why congestion continues to rise across major metros.

1. Kolkata Traffic Overview

Kolkata topped India’s traffic congestion rankings in 2024, emerging as the most traffic-congested city in India. Drivers take an average of 34 minutes 33 seconds to cover just 10 kilometres during peak hours, moving at a sluggish 17.4 km/h. It is currently the most traffic city in India based on average travel time.

A sharp rise in motorised vehicles, limited road space at barely 15–16 percent of the required capacity, and persistent bottlenecks from encroachments, slow-moving trams, and rickshaws have made Kolkata the number one traffic-congested city in India.

2. Bengaluru Traffic Overview

Bengaluru ranks second among India’s high-traffic cities, with commuters spending 34 minutes 10 seconds to travel 10 kilometres at an average speed of 17.6 km/h. 

As the country’s technology capital, rapid urbanisation and vehicle growth have far outpaced road expansion. As per reports, residents lose nearly 117 hours every year in peak traffic. This has indeed placed Bengaluru among the top 10 most traffic-congested cities in India.

3. Pune Traffic Overview

Pune holds the third spot among the top traffic cities in India. It records an average travel time of 33 minutes 22 seconds for 10 kilometres. There are various reasons responsible for its explosive growth, such as being an IT and education hub, construction zones, and fragmented planning. 

Despite the constant efforts to strengthen public transport, Pune remains one of the busiest cities in India.

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4. Hyderabad Traffic Overview

Hyderabad ranks fourth among the top 10 traffic cities in India. As per the report, commuters take about 32 minutes to cover 10 kilometres at an average speed of 18.8 km/h. The city’s IT-driven expansion has sharply increased vehicle density on key corridors, straining infrastructure even as metro lines expand. 

Peak-hour congestion continues to disrupt daily life, placing Hyderabad firmly among India’s high-traffic cities.

5. Chennai Traffic Overview

Chennai stands at fifth place, with an average travel time of about 30 minutes to cover 10 kilometres at nearly 20 km per hour. Narrow old roads, heavy industrial vehicles, and crowded heritage areas make movement slow. 

Being both an industrial centre and a cultural hotspot, daily office travel and tourist movement together add to traffic delays. All these factors continue to push Chennai among India’s top 10 most congested cities.

6. Mumbai Traffic Overview

Mumbai is also known as India’s financial capital. It currently ranks sixth among the top 10 busiest cities in India. It has an average travel time of 29 minutes for 10 kilometres. Dense population, limited road width, and constant commuter pressure define its traffic conditions.

While local trains absorb a large share of movement, road congestion remains severe. This keeps Mumbai among the busiest cities in India.

7. Ahmedabad Traffic Overview

Ahmedabad stands seventh among the top 10 busiest cities in India. It has been keenly observed that the drivers have to spend about 28 minutes to cover 10 kilometres at an average speed of 21.5 km/h. 

This is because of the rapid industrial and commercial growth.

Although metro expansion offers long-term relief, Ahmedabad continues to feature among India’s high-traffic urban centres.

8. Surat Traffic Overview

Surat ranks eighth, averaging 27 minutes for a 10-kilometre journey. Growth in the diamond and textile industries has intensified vehicle movement across commercial zones. Limited public transport options push greater dependence on private vehicles, placing Surat among the top 10 most traffic-congested cities in India.

9. Jaipur Traffic Overview

Jaipur takes the ninth position among the top busiest cities in India. As per th reports, people have to spend around 25 minutes for 10 kilometres at an average speed of 24 km/h. 

Also, heavy tourist inflows into the historic Pink City mix with daily local traffic. This all ends up creating seasonal congestion spikes. 

10. New Delhi Traffic Overview

New Delhi rounds off the top 10 busiest cities. It takes around 23 minutes to cover 10 kilometres on average. 

Even with its huge population and administrative role, traffic moves comparatively better. This is because of wide main roads, ring roads, and a well-connected metro network. 

Still, daily inflows and large public events, especially during peak hours, cause multiple delays. This all makes New Delhi among India’s busiest cities.

Conclusion

Traffic congestion has become a daily reality in India’s major cities, costing commuters time, energy, and productivity. From Kolkata at the top to New Delhi in tenth place, each city reflects how rapid urban growth has outpaced road and transport infrastructure.

Disclaimer– The rankings and figures in this article have been compiled from multiple verified reports, credible news sources, and public financial data available as of 2025.
All values are approximate and may vary with newer updates, revisions, or changes in official records.

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