Founder shares ‘traffic cheat sheet’ for surviving 80-minute commute in Bengaluru: 'No wasted time'

Amrut Joshi concluded his post with an invitation to fellow commuters in the city to share their own strategies.

As Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion continues to stretch daily commutes to over an hour for many, one city-based entrepreneur has found a way to reclaim that time from the backseat of a cab.

Amrut Joshi, founder and entrepreneur based in the Karnataka capital, recently took to LinkedIn to share his personal "traffic cheat sheet"—a list of practical strategies he developed to stay productive, connected, and mentally refreshed during his long commute between Hebbal and Whitefield, a stretch that takes him approximately 80 minutes each way.

“Navigating Bengaluru’s traffic has become progressivelynerve-wracking and challenging,” Joshi wrote in his post. “But over time, I’ve developed some ways to turn this time-drain into a time-gain.”

Among the first habits he mentioned was using his commute to catch up on reading, noting that he has made considerable progress through his reading list thanks to daily traffic jams. “Finally catching up on my reading list, one traffic jam at a time,” he remarked, adding that while he avoids legal content during his rides, he prefers lighter material such as TechCrunch, Cricinfo, or political biographies.

Maintaining professional and personal relationships is another priority for Joshi, who uses the time to make quick calls to clients, friends, and colleagues. “Even a short chat can help keep connections going,” he said.

Air pollution, a growing concern for commuters across Bengaluru, has also been addressed in Joshi’s routine. He revealed that he wears a mask during longer rides to minimise exposure. And on days when fatigue sets in, he doesn’t hesitate to take a short nap to recharge. “When energy dips, I take a quick power nap to recharge before the day resumes,” he added.

Joshi concluded his post with an invitation to fellow commuters in the city to share their own strategies. “Traffic doesn’t have to be wasted time,” he wrote, signing off with a call to “fellow #traffichackers” for their own methods of navigating the city’s gridlock.