Parliament Question: Traffic congestion and economic losses

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 586 ANSWERED ON - 04/02/2026 TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND ECONOMIC LOSSES 586. SHRI SANJAY KUMAR JHA: Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS be pleased to state:- (a) whether it is a fact that an analysis supported by respectable consultancy firm has estimated that four of India’s metros—Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata—together, lose INR 1.47 lakh crore every year due to traffic congestion-related delays, wasted fuel and lost productivity; and (b) if so, the steps proposed or recommended to ease the aforementioned traffic congestion? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI) (a) & (b) The Government has not carried out such study. However, based on news reports, a private consultant has carried out the aforesaid study. It is mentioned that the majority of roads falling in metropolitan areas are in the jurisdiction of the respective State Government/ Municipal body. The Government approves proposals of ring roads, bypasses & elevated corridors for development in major cities/ urban centres and State capitals in consultation with State governments to decongest traffic and alleviate choke points on National Highways. Decisions are taken based on traffic density, speed drop, number of roads entering/exiting the city, condition of roads and synergy with PM GatiShakti Master Plan. *****