With commutes in Bengaluru often stretching over an hour, some residents are finding creative ways to reclaim their time—even from the backseat of a cab.
Amrut Joshi, a city-based entrepreneur and founder, recently shared his personal “traffic cheat sheet” on LinkedIn—a list of simple but effective habits he uses to transform his 80-minute commute between Hebbal and Whitefield into something productive and calming.
“Navigating Bengaluru’s traffic has become progressively nerve-wracking and challenging,” Joshi wrote. “But over time, I’ve developed ways to turn this time-drain into a time-gain.”
Among his strategies:
- Reading: “Finally catching up on my reading list, one traffic jam at a time,” he said, adding that he avoids legal material, preferring TechCrunch, Cricinfo, or political biographies.
- Networking: Using the time to make quick calls to clients, colleagues, and friends to stay connected.
- Power naps: Recharging with short naps when energy dips.
- Masking up: Wearing a mask to deal with Bengaluru’s notorious pollution during long rides.
“Traffic doesn’t have to be wasted time,” Joshi concluded, inviting fellow professionals to share their own #traffichacker tips.
With commute times in India’s IT capital showing no signs of improving, stories like Joshi’s highlight how urban professionals are adapting—turning daily gridlock into an opportunity for learning, rest, and connection.