New Delhi [India]: Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, offered an unconventional perspective on Bengaluru’s chronic traffic problems while addressing the Mobility Symposium 2025.

Describing the city’s congestion as a sign of economic progress, Kharge stated, “About 75.5 percent of Bengaluru’s population is part of the working population. We rank fourth globally. It’s a good problem to have traffic issues — it shows we’re growing, though we must solve it.”

Bengaluru’s growth driving traffic

Kharge highlighted that rapid urban development and job creation are among the primary contributors to the city’s traffic surge. He noted that Bengaluru has become a hub for global capability centres, attracting massive investments and office space.

“To give you some context, last year nearly 77.92 million square feet of office space was sold to global capability centres across the top seven cities in India, and 47 percent of that was in Bengaluru. That’s the kind of growth we’re witnessing,” he added.

The minister emphasised that while traffic congestion is a challenge, it is also a byproduct of a growing economy, which offers employment opportunities to millions of people in the city.

Solutions and future plans

During his address, Kharge also underlined the need for innovative mobility solutions to manage Bengaluru’s traffic efficiently. He encouraged stakeholders, urban planners, and policymakers to focus on public transport expansion, smart traffic management, and sustainable urban planning to tackle congestion.

He also suggested leveraging technology and data-driven approaches for smoother traffic flows, citing that global cities facing similar challenges have successfully reduced congestion through intelligent transportation systems and integrated urban planning.

Bengaluru as a global urban hub

Bengaluru’s position as a rapidly expanding IT and business hub has made it a magnet for skilled professionals. While this has led to a higher density of vehicles on the roads, it also reflects the city’s economic vitality and global competitiveness.

Kharge pointed out that the high percentage of the working population is indicative of a thriving workforce, which, if supported by adequate infrastructure, could further enhance the city’s growth prospects.

Conclusion

While traffic congestion remains a pressing concern, Kharge’s remarks underline that it is both a challenge and an indicator of Bengaluru’s growth story. Policymakers must balance economic development with infrastructure improvement to ensure that the city remains livable and continues to attract talent and investments.