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Frustrated with Bengaluru traffic 'pandemic', entrepreneur proposes a solution many netizens agree with

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In Bengaluru, where traffic congestion has become a daily ordeal for millions, a recent social media post by a city entrepreneur has reignited public debate around commuting, work culture, and the future of remote work. The post, which humorously compares the city's traffic to a pandemic, struck a nerve with office-goers and remote work advocates alike, quickly going viral.

Dilip Kumar, a Bengaluru based entrepreneur, who shared his frustration after spending over two hours stuck on the road during a Monday morning commute, humorously suggested treating road traffic like a pandemic and reverting to work-from-home (WFH) arrangements.

In his widely shared post on X (formerly Twitter), Kumar wrote that there is “no medicine” for the stress caused by the city’s traffic and questioned why companies couldn’t simply return to online meetings and remote work. His remarks clearly resonated with many who face similar challenges navigating Bengaluru’s congested roads every day.


Residents Respond with Frustration and Humor
The post unleashed a flood of comments from fellow commuters, many of whom described the post as “painfully accurate.” One user reflected on how companies, despite having access to digital infrastructure and funding, have still failed to decentralize or relocate work centers. Others suggested alternatives like rotating carpools or relying on drivers to cope with the commute.

Some pointed out how exhausting the daily commute can be, leaving employees drained before the workday begins. One individual noted that motion sickness and prolonged travel often push people to start work later, impacting overall health and productivity. Several others recalled opting for remote jobs or renting homes near their offices to escape the toll of traffic.

A few users criticized corporate culture, arguing that some employers insist on in-office presence despite little gain in productivity. One commenter even went so far as to call bosses “sadists,” claiming they prefer to see employees in the office doing the same tasks that could be handled from home.

Traffic Woes Tied to Urban Growth
The conversation around Kumar’s post also drew attention to the root causes of Bengaluru’s chronic traffic issues. Speaking on a podcast hosted by Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath, the city’s Traffic Commissioner MN Anucheth explained that the rapid growth of the IT sector outpaced the development of infrastructure. The number of vehicles in the city has more than doubled in the past decade, he noted.

Anucheth emphasized that improving public transportation, particularly the BMTC bus services, could ease road congestion. Although metro rail expansions and digital traffic management tools have been introduced, they have not kept pace with the city's swelling population and vehicle count.

While the pandemic normalized remote work for many industries, some companies have since reverted to mandatory office attendance. Critics argue that WFH remains a practical solution in cities like Bengaluru, where commuting conditions significantly affect mental health and productivity.

In a city where peak-hour travel often extends beyond two hours, many now wonder if a return to flexible work arrangements might be a necessary step — not just for convenience, but for public health and urban sustainability.
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