Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent comment on Bengaluru’s traffic has struck a chord across the city, highlighting a daily frustration many residents share. Speaking at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, Shukla, who is not only an Indian Air Force officer and test pilot but also one of the astronauts selected for India’s upcoming manned space mission, Gaganyaan, humorously remarked that traveling in Bengaluru's traffic was tougher than going to space.

Shukla's journey from Marathahalli to the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, where the event was held, took him three times longer than the duration of his speech. Taking the stage, he quipped that his commute from one side of the city consumed far more time than his presentation, underlining the severe congestion that plagues Bengaluru’s roads daily. This light-hearted jab also showcased his commitment to be part of the event despite the traffic nightmare.

The Bengaluru Tech Summit did not just end with a witty remark. Karnataka’s Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, and IT Minister, Priyank Kharge, responded to the astronaut's joke by acknowledging the entrenched traffic issues and pledging that the government would work actively to reduce such travel delays in the future. Kharge’s comment reflected the urgency of addressing urban infrastructure challenges that impact not only commuters but the city’s economic vibrancy too.​

Bengaluru’s traffic congestion is a long-standing problem, often cited as a major challenge by residents and businesses alike. The city’s rapid growth as a tech hub has led to booming vehicle numbers, outpacing the existing infrastructure. The commute from Marathahalli, a tech-heavy suburb, to central Bengaluru, especially during major events like the Tech Summit, can become a nightmare with heavy jams stretching travel times extensively.

This public exchange between an astronaut and a government official throws a spotlight on the larger urban transport dilemma. It also underlines the need for innovative solutions like improved public transport, better road planning, and possibly remote work incentives to ease pressure on city roads. In fact, recent government incentives to encourage firms to relocate some operations to tier-2 cities is one such step aimed at easing Bengaluru’s chronic traffic issues.​

The humorous yet poignant moment resonates with many Bengaluru residents who grapple with hours lost in traffic daily. As a city striving to maintain its global tech stature while improving quality of life, balancing growth with infrastructure development remains paramount. Shubhanshu Shukla’s light-hearted observation serves as a timely reminder that even space travel seems simpler than navigating Bengaluru’s urban gridlock.