Kolkata is so crowded with vehicles now that it has beaten Bengaluru to become the most worst traffic zone of India according to the TomTom Traffic Index 2024. This publication that focuses on the analysis of 500 cities globally has moved Kolkata to the top of the most congested cities in the world. This is a big change from the last time when Kolkata was not even one of the top 10 in the world.
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Kolkata : The Current Traffic Situation
Kolkata’s traffic congestion is now at a critical level. Travel time has now reached an average of 34 minutes and 33 seconds per 10 kilometers. The situation being mentioned has become a real-life challenge for the city’s inhabitants and tourists.
Key Findings from the TomTom Traffic Index 2024
- The congestion percentage in Kolkata comes to be 32%
- Commuters waste about 130 hours a year during rush hours
- The average time of travel has increased by 10 seconds compared to 2023
- Kolkata is the second most congested city globally
Factors Contributing to Kolkata’s Traffic Woes
Several factors are behind the traffic problems in Kolkata. These problems include:
- A strong increase in the number of motorized vehicles
- Non-wide enough road infrastructure
- A cut in public transportation alternatives
- Unsuccessful traffic control measures
Impact on Daily Life
For the people of this city, traffic jams are not just limited to material life. The people are also psychologically affected. Many commuters share how they have been stuck in traffic jams for one or two hours or sometimes even the whole day, making them only less productive and stressed out. The economic consequences are high as well, possibly leading to significant losses in the city.
Efforts to Address the Issue
Municipalities are making efforts to heal the dearth of congestion. They include the following:
- Some roads will be expanded
- Making use of electronic surveillance will have new monitoring of the traffic situation
- Going on with the planning of the metro expansion projects
The Path Forward
Professionals are of the opinion that the decongestion of Kolkata traffic will be achieved when multiple remedies will be put into practice, among which are:
- More convenient public transportation options
- Roads should be free from buildings encroachments
- Urban development approaches that are better should be adopted
- Launching awareness programs to raise the awareness on the alternative way of transportation
The rampant traffic crisis in Kolkata just brings out specifically its acknowledgement as the developing city and the challenges found in such cities. Nevertheless, it is hoped that by dedicated effort from both authorities and citizens, Kolkata can find effective ways to its traffic congestion problems and revive its former name as the City of Joy.
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FAQs
1. Why is Kolkata now the most traffic congested city in India?
Kolkata’s traffic congestion is driven by a surge in motorized vehicles, inadequate road infrastructure, declining public transport options, and poor traffic management. These factors have combined to make commuting in the city a daily challenge.
2. Can the metro expansion project solve Kolkata’s traffic problems?
While the metro expansion project is a step in the right direction, experts believe it alone cannot solve the crisis. A comprehensive approach, including better road infrastructure, improved public transport, and stricter traffic management, is needed.
