Hotmail co-creator and Indian-American innovator Sabeer Bhatia ignited an online storm after bluntly labelling Bengaluru’s traffic as “insane” in an unfiltered comment on X. Comparing it with the San Francisco Bay Area, Bhatia wondered aloud how residents of India’s tech capital endure such chronic gridlock every single day.
In his post, Bhatia remarked, “I’m sure Bengaluru folks might say this sounds negative… but the traffic here is CRAZY. Covering the same stretch on my bike in the Bay Area takes a third of the time. How do people bear this routinely?”
His observation, echoing the daily frustrations of countless locals, set off a wave of reactions—some defensive, others sympathetic.
One commenter retorted, pointing out safety trade-offs: “Can you cycle to Oakland after 5 PM? In Bengaluru, we can drive to Mysuru at midnight without fearing crime. Try that in Oakland.”
Other users vented about deep-rooted inefficiencies: “Complaining won’t help. Our authorities can’t tackle basic civic problems. If you genuinely want to contribute, build businesses in smaller towns rather than crowding big cities.”
Some shared survival tactics: “We’ve simply adapted. I live next to a metro station, my spouse’s office is a kilometre away, and my child’s school is close. We pay more for this convenience, but it’s necessary.”
Another recalled pre-pandemic commutes: “Earlier, a walk or short bike ride was enough. Now, the delays are unbearable.”
Bengaluru’s notorious traffic snarls remain a relentless ordeal, fuelled by poor infrastructure and uncontrolled urban growth.