Bengaluru has suffered economic losses of nearly Rs 20,000 crore due to severe traffic congestion, according to a recent study. The city's productivity and overall economic growth have been severely hampered, resulting in significant productivity loss and delayed shipments for small and medium enterprises, besides worsening pollution.

Bengaluru has been grappling with severe traffic congestion for years. According to a recent study, the issue has resulted in a staggering economic loss of nearly Rs 20,000 crore for the city.

The study underlines that the city has incurred losses despite functional infrastructure and city planning. It was conducted by a traffic expert and a team that looked at road planning, flyovers, traffic management and deficits in infrastructure.

The study analysed the impact of traffic-related hindrances on the economy of Bengaluru. It found that the city's productivity and overall economic growth have been severely hampered due to the never-ending traffic snarls.

The IT industry, which forms the backbone of Bengaluru's economy, has borne the brunt of this ordeal. The study revealed that employees spent a considerable time stuck in traffic, leading to significant losses in productivity.

It estimates that the IT sector alone has suffered a loss of approximately Rs 7,000 crore due to traffic-related hindrances.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS MSMEs
Further, the study highlights the adverse effects of traffic congestion on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These businesses struggle to meet delivery schedules, resulting in delayed shipments and dissatisfied customers.

This, in turn, has an exponential impact on the city's economy, causing losses amounting to around Rs 3,500 crore.