Hyundai Motor India, in association with Radio Mirchi, has launched the Hyundai Traffic Quality Index (TQI), a real-time traffic rating system designed to simplify how commuters understand and respond to urban traffic conditions.
The initiative has been launched across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata, combining live traffic data, Radio Mirchi’s on-ground intelligence and official traffic authority advisories to provide commuters with information on congestion, diversions and other route-related conditions.
Inspired by the simplicity of the Air Quality Index, TQI uses a 1-to-10 traffic rating, supported by a colour-coded framework. Ratings of 1-3 indicate light traffic and are marked green, 4-7 indicate moderate traffic and are marked yellow, while 8-10 indicate heavy traffic and are marked red.
The system is designed to help commuters anticipate congestion, consider alternate routes and make travel decisions before and during their journeys. Traffic updates will be broadcast through Radio Mirchi’s programming network, allowing drivers to receive traffic intelligence without interacting with mobile devices.
The index brings together multiple information sources, including real-time traffic tracking, Radio Mirchi’s city-wide on-ground intelligence, official traffic authority advisories, road closure and diversion updates, and alerts related to special movements and planned civic and infrastructure activity.
How the Hyundai Traffic Quality Index works:
TQI is built around a standardised traffic language intended to make complex traffic conditions easier to interpret. The 1-10 scale categorises traffic into three levels: Green for ratings 1-3, indicating light traffic; Yellow for ratings 4-7, indicating moderate traffic; and Red for ratings 8-10, indicating heavy traffic.
The system combines technology, human intelligence and official information. Its inputs include real-time traffic data, Radio Mirchi’s on-ground intelligence, traffic authority advisories, road closures and diversions, and notifications around special movements and planned civic or infrastructure activity.
The information is then communicated through Radio Mirchi’s programming network, allowing commuters to access updates while on the move.
The initiative reflects Hyundai’s focus on road safety and mobility beyond its vehicles, while Radio Mirchi brings its city-level presence and on-ground reporting into the system. The partners intend to expand the index to more cities and build out its data capabilities as the initiative develops.
Sharing his thoughts on the launch of Hyundai Traffic Quality Index, Mr. Virat Khullar, Head, Marketing, HMIL, said, “At Hyundai, our commitment to road safety has always extended beyond the vehicle itself. For over three decades in India, we have continuously invested in technologies and initiatives that make mobility safer and smarter. With the Hyundai Traffic Quality Index, we are taking that commitment a step further by empowering commuters with actionable information. We believe informed and technology enabled decisions lead to safer roads, calmer driving behavior and better commuting experience. Our vision is for Hyundai Traffic Quality Index to evolve into a daily utility that millions of Indians rely on, much like they check the weather or the Air Quality Index before stepping out.”
Expressing his thoughts, Mr. Yatish Mehrishi, CEO, ENIL, said, “Radio has always been a trusted companion for people on the move. With the Traffic Quality Index, we are taking that relationship a step further by making traffic information simpler, more consistent and more useful for everyday commuters. Our presence across cities, supported by our RJs, on-ground teams and real-time local insights, gives us a unique understanding of how people experience their daily commute. TQI brings these insights together in an easy-to-understand format that can help people make better decisions on the road. We are delighted to partner with Hyundai to build a public utility that can make urban commuting smarter and safer. It is a strong example of how media, technology and local intelligence can come together to solve an everyday consumer need.”
Sharing his views on the initiative, ACP Ravindra Pandit, Delhi Traffic Police, said, “The Hyundai Traffic Quality Index is a commendable initiative that empowers us to keep commuters informed about congestion, diversions, and other traffic-related issues on specific routes. By receiving timely and accurate updates, motorists can make informed decisions and opt for alternate routes, reducing inconvenience and easing congestion. Timely dissemination of reliable traffic information benefits both the public and traffic authorities, making overall traffic management more efficient and commuter-friendly.”
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Anil Patil, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Mumbai West, said, “Understanding and managing traffic more effectively has become increasingly important today. TQI will help us better understand traffic conditions, improve awareness among citizens, and provide valuable support in making traffic management more efficient.”
Sharing his views on the launch, IPS Manoj Patil, Additional Commissioner of Police, Pune City, said, “Traffic Quality Index can give the traffic police a different kind of study and analysis. Especially because it will include inputs and suggestions coming directly from citizens. So, we will get an independent understanding of the actual traffic situation. I feel this can be extremely useful for us while planning future traffic management as well as infrastructure projects. So, I really welcome this initiative If we are able to measure the traffic quality index in this manner, it will definitely have an overall impact on our deployment and the way we manage traffic.”
Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Dr. B. Shamoondeswari, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Greater Chennai Police, said, “Just like AQI helps us understand air quality, TQI will help us understand traffic quality. It’s a great initiative that can make people more aware, help manage congestion, and contribute towards smoother traffic movement in our cities.”
Commenting on the significance of the initiative, ACP A. Krishnaiah, LB Nagar Traffic Police, Hyderabad, said, “The Hyundai Traffic Quality Index is a valuable initiative that helps commuters stay updated on traffic congestion, diversions, and other route-related issues. Access to timely and reliable traffic information enables motorists to plan their journeys better and choose alternative routes when required. This not only reduces travel inconvenience but also helps ease traffic congestion. Overall, the initiative supports both commuters and traffic authorities by making traffic management more effective, responsive, and commuter-friendly.”
