Bengaluru: The rising cost of commuting in Bengaluru has sparked a fresh debate after a young professional reportedly spent Rs 350 every day simply to travel to work.
CEO Sanket Sheth recalled a conversation with a fresher after his company resumed office-based work in 2024. The employee reportedly told him, “Sir, office aane mein Rs 350 roz lag jaate hain.”
A daily commute costing thousands
The employee was staying near Lalbagh while the workplace was in HSR Layout. According to Sheth, the employee’s parents were uncomfortable with him riding a scooter because of Bengaluru’s traffic and road conditions.
Public transport took nearly two hours each way and involved multiple changes and last-mile travel.
Combining public transport with an auto therefore cost around Rs 350 every working day. For someone earning their first salary, this could translate into a monthly commuting expense of around Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000.
Is Bengaluru becoming unaffordable?
Sheth questioned whether the city’s rapid growth was making it increasingly difficult for young professionals to afford everyday life.
He argued that a 22-year-old starting their career should not have to worry about whether they can afford to travel to their workplace.
Instead, a first salary should ideally offer a sense of independence, whether through making personal purchases or saving the first Rs 1,000.
Commute costs could affect job choices
Sheth also warned that high commuting expenses could influence the decisions of young workers.
Some could increasingly prefer remote jobs, avoid opportunities requiring regular office attendance or consider moving to another city.
He said Bengaluru’s identity has long been linked to thousands of young people arriving every year with ambition, ideas and a willingness to take risks.
The discussion has once again put the city’s commuting costs and affordability under the spotlight, particularly for young professionals at the beginning of their careers.