Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based recruiter’s candid LinkedIn post about a routine office commute turning into a two-hour ordeal has gone viral, once again highlighting the city’s worsening traffic congestion and fuelling conversations around flexible work arrangements.
Rashmi Raveendran, a recruiter based in Bengaluru, shared how what appeared to be a straightforward 22-minute drive on Google Maps turned into a frustrating journey that consumed nearly two hours.
She wrote that she left her home at 7.40 am to attend a 9 am meeting, expecting to reach comfortably on time. However, heavy traffic across the city disrupted her plans, leaving her stuck on congested roads for far longer than anticipated.
A story many professionals relate to
Raveendran’s post quickly resonated with thousands of professionals who said they had experienced similar situations in Bengaluru. Many users commented that unpredictable traffic has become a daily challenge, affecting productivity, personal time and overall well-being.
Several professionals pointed out that navigation apps can estimate travel times, but sudden congestion, roadworks, accidents and peak-hour bottlenecks often make journeys much longer than expected.
Renewed calls for hybrid work
The viral post has also revived discussions on the benefits of hybrid and remote work. Many users argued that allowing employees to work from home for a few days each week could significantly reduce commuting stress while improving work-life balance.
Others noted that while many organisations have resumed full-time office attendance, Bengaluru’s infrastructure continues to struggle with the growing number of vehicles on its roads.
As the city continues to expand, commuters say addressing traffic congestion will require a combination of improved public transport, better road planning and flexible workplace policies.
The incident serves as another reminder of the everyday challenges faced by thousands of Bengaluru residents who spend hours commuting, despite living only a short distance from their workplaces.