Bengaluru gridlock: Traffic crisis fuels online debate as WFO mandates and rising rents collide

Bengaluru, renowned as India's Silicon Valley, has become synonymous with relentless traffic jams, a byproduct of its rapid urban expansion. Narrow roads, a surge in vehicles, and an overburdened public transport system have left commuters trapped in gridlock, impacting both productivity and quality of life.  

Amid growing frustrations, a Reddit user questioned how the city could cope with companies enforcing return-to-office mandates while rents soar, forcing many to live far from their workplaces.  

“Companies are adamant about work from office and the government is not keen on decongesting the city. Rents are skyrocketing, and people have to live far from their workplaces to save money. What is the solution here?” the user wrote.  

The post struck a chord, sparking a wave of suggestions. Some called for policy changes, including stricter traffic rules and better road management. “Change RTO rules to drive other state vehicles in Bengaluru. Impose a monthly pass or any other system which is feasible. This will reduce at least 10-15% of vehicles on the road,” one user suggested. Others emphasized better pedestrian infrastructure, urging authorities to maintain footpaths and enforce parking rules.  

For individual commuters, practical solutions included adjusting work hours to avoid peak traffic. “If you go to the office by car alone, then start before 8:30 or after 10:30. Same in the evening—before 5 PM or after 8 PM,” a user advised.  

Some looked at unconventional alternatives. “Public transport works, but last-mile connectivity is a huge problem. Using unicycles and foldable scooters might be the way forward,” one comment read. Others pushed for corporate intervention, suggesting that companies provide mandatory shuttle services for at least a third of their workforce.  

Despite sporadic government efforts to improve infrastructure and traffic management, ongoing construction and road maintenance projects often worsen the situation in the short term. As Bengaluru's urban sprawl continues unchecked, residents are left searching for workarounds in a city that seems to be perpetually stuck in traffic.