The city ranks fourth among Indian cities with the slowest traffic, according to the TomTom Traffic Index.

A 10-km journey in Hyderabad takes an average of 32 minutes 37 seconds, according to the index. Bengaluru takes 36 minutes, Kolkata 35 minutes and Pune 33 minutes for the same distance, while Mumbai takes 28 minutes.

The slowdown is particularly noticeable during school and office peak hours and when it rains. The average vehicle speed in Hyderabad is around 23 kmph but falls to between 5 and 10 kmph during peak periods and rainfall, according to the copy.

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Reduced traffic speeds cost IT employees and other city residents an average of 123 hours a year, the report said.

Vehicle growth outpaces road network expansion

More than 3,000 new vehicles are reportedly added to Hyderabad's roads every day. However, road infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace, contributing to congestion.

Unplanned one-way restrictions, violations of traffic rules and an inadequate public transport system have further complicated traffic management, according to the report.

Hyderabad's rapid expansion as a global city and continuing migration into the city have also increased traffic volumes. With the city spreading rapidly in all directions, congestion has become a regular feature from the morning commute to the evening journey home.

Peak-hour congestion hits key city corridors

The western corridor, which includes the IT zone, sees heavy traffic from around 9am to 11.30am when employees travel to offices. The same areas experience heavy congestion from the evening commute until around 9pm.

Areas including Gachibowli, Raidurg, Kondapur and Jubilee Hills are among the locations witnessing significant congestion during these periods.

In the old-city and central commercial areas, including Abids, Panjagutta, Begumpet and Charminar, traffic is reported to be heavy from around noon to 3pm as commercial establishments open later. Congestion again increases from the evening and continues until around 6.30pm, according to the copy.

The eastern and northern corridors, including Uppal, Secunderabad, Kukatpally and Miyapur, experience heavy traffic between 8am and 10.30am and again from 6pm to 9.30pm.

The traffic situation highlights the widening gap between the city's growing vehicle population and its road network, with commuters losing substantial time to congestion.