Bengaluru Woman Turns Traffic Nightmare into Best Part of Her Day – Here’s How!

Bengaluru resident Sanya Jain turned her frustrating daily commute into a productive habit by reading with noise-canceling headphones, improving her mood and learning new things. While many commuters resonated with her approach, others debated alternatives like audiobooks, remote work, or moving closer to work. Despite ongoing efforts to ease congestion, Bengaluru remains one of the world’s slowest cities for traffic, forcing residents to find creative ways to make the most of long travel times.

CONTENTS:

• Turning Frustration into Productivity
• The Debate: Solutions or Adjustments?
• Bengaluru’s Traffic Woes – A Never-Ending Challenge
• Making the Most of the Inevitable

Bengaluru Woman Turns Traffic Nightmare into Best Part of Her Day – Here’s How!

Bengaluru resident Sanya Jain found a way to turn the city’s notorious traffic jams into a productive experience. Frustrated by the daily delays on her commute from Indiranagar to HSR Layout, she decided to use that time for reading. With noise-canceling headphones enhancing her focus, she not only improved her mood but also gained valuable knowledge along the way.

Her approach resonated with many, as commuters shared how they, too, make the most of long travel times by reading, listening to podcasts, or even writing. Some recalled similar experiences in other congested cities, while others debated between physical books and e-readers.

However, not everyone agreed. A few pointed out the strain of reading in a moving vehicle, while others suggested a more straightforward solution—moving closer to work to avoid traffic altogether.

Bengaluru’s traffic congestion remains a major challenge. According to the latest TomTom Traffic Index, the city ranks as the world’s third slowest, with an average of 34 minutes needed to cover just 10 km. Despite ongoing efforts to ease congestion, the ever-growing number of vehicles and infrastructure limitations continue to make daily commutes a struggle.

Bengaluru resident Sanya Jain found a way to turn the city’s notorious traffic jams into a productive experience. Frustrated by the daily delays on her commute from Indiranagar to HSR Layout, she decided to use that time for reading. With noise-canceling headphones enhancing her focus, she not only improved her mood but also gained valuable knowledge along the way.

Turning Frustration into Productivity

What started as a simple attempt to pass time quickly turned into a daily habit. Sanya, a product designer, initially struggled with wasted hours in traffic, feeling exhausted and irritable before even reaching work. Instead of scrolling mindlessly on her phone or getting frustrated at the standstill, she made a conscious effort to use that time wisely. By dedicating her commute to reading, she not only learned new things but also arrived at work in a better frame of mind.

Many others resonated with her experience, highlighting how they have also adapted to long travel times by listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or even journaling. Some have finished multiple books in a month solely during their commute. Others find solace in spiritual readings or self-improvement books, using their downtime for personal growth.

The Debate: Solutions or Adjustments?

While Sanya’s approach was widely appreciated, not everyone agreed that making peace with traffic was the right solution. Some commuters argued that rather than adapting to the congestion, efforts should be focused on reducing travel times altogether. Suggestions included moving closer to work, using alternative transport options like cycling, or even shifting to remote work if possible.

Another group highlighted the health concerns of reading or working in a moving vehicle, pointing out that it could strain the eyes or cause motion sickness. Audiobooks and podcasts emerged as popular alternatives, allowing people to learn without physical strain.

Bengaluru’s Traffic Woes – A Never-Ending Challenge

Bengaluru’s infamous traffic congestion is nothing new. Known for its bumper-to-bumper traffic, the city’s road network often struggles to keep up with its rapid urban expansion. The latest TomTom Traffic Index ranks Bengaluru as the third slowest city globally, with an average of 34 minutes needed to cover just 10 km.

Despite multiple efforts, including flyovers, metro expansions, and traffic regulation changes, the problem persists. In 2022, Bengaluru was ranked the second worst city for traffic, dropping to sixth place in 2023, only to rise back to third in 2024. Experts cite the city’s increasing vehicle population and unplanned infrastructure as key reasons for the never-ending congestion.

Making the Most of the Inevitable

While waiting for large-scale solutions, many commuters, like Sanya, believe in making the best of the situation. Whether through reading, learning new skills, or simply unwinding with music, people are finding creative ways to turn their daily commute into something meaningful. Some companies are also stepping in by offering flexible work hours or hybrid work models, reducing peak-hour traffic burdens.

For now, Bengaluru’s traffic remains a test of patience. But for those who find ways to adapt, even the worst jams can turn into an opportunity for growth.