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India national commuting and mobility trends
Overview
The National Statistics Office (NSO) conducted the inaugural National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) between July 2025 and June 2026, revealing significant trends in Indian commuting patterns. The data indicates a heavy reliance on private and non-motorized transport, with two-wheelers accounting for approximately 43 percent of workplace journeys and walking used by 28.3 percent of the population. In contrast, public transport usage remains low at 15 percent, while rail-based services like metros account for only 2.1 percent nationally.
The survey highlights a substantial gender divide in mobility. While 61.9 percent of male workers commute daily, only 41.9 percent of female workers do. Specifically, 62 percent of working men travel more than 1 km to their workplace, compared to 42 percent of working women.
These findings have led to concerns regarding “spatial entrapment,” a phenomenon where workers may be restricted to local employment due to the costs, safety concerns, or difficulties associated with longer commutes.
Entities
National Statistics Office · India · Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Timeline
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[BUSINESS] 2 sourcesIndia workforce mobility shows significant gender commute gap
A National Statistics Office survey reveals a 20% gender gap in Indian commuting distances, with men traveling further for work than women, highlighting potential barriers to job access.
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[BUSINESS] 4 sourcesIndia commuting survey shows low public transit use
India's first National Household Travel Survey shows only 15% of workers use public transit, with two-wheelers dominating commutes and a significant gender divide in mobility and spending.
Sources
businesstoday.in · desitalkchicago.com · english.mathrubhumi.com · hrkatha.com · m.businesstoday.in · newindianexpress.com