India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a rapidly increasing population of around 1.4 billion people. However, this growth comes with its own set of challenges, and one of the most pressing ones is traffic congestion. As more people move to urban areas in search of better opportunities, the number of vehicles on the road has increased dramatically, leading to long hours of waiting in traffic.
A recent study by TomTom Traffic Index has shown that Bengaluru, India's leading IT city, is the world's second most traffic-congested city. For instance, to travel a distance of 10 km within Bengaluru city limits, it takes close to 30 minutes, whereas the same distance can be covered in less than 13 minutes in Dubai.
However, Bengaluru is not alone in facing this problem, as other major Indian cities also suffer from severe traffic congestion. The impact of traffic congestion is wider than wasted time and frustration for commuters. It also has severe economic and environmental consequences. Traffic jams can increase fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Furthermore, the time lost in traffic can result in reduced productivity and increased business costs.
The toll of unplanned traffic is much greater than just wasted time. It also results in a significant waste of fuel and money. A report by the Boston Consulting Group estimates that the total cost of congestion in India in 2019 was a staggering $22 billion. This cost is expected to rise to an even higher $37 billion by 2030 if no action is taken.
The impact of traffic congestion on individuals is also severe. Indian drivers, on average, spend an astonishing 135 hours per year stuck in traffic, which is frustrating and results in a colossal waste of fuel and lost productivity, costing them $22 billion. To put it into perspective, this is equivalent to around 50 days of work per driver lost yearly.
Moreover, the fuel cost is not just limited to the monetary value. It also has profound environmental implications. Traffic congestion increases emissions and air pollution, contributing to climate change and other health issues.
To mitigate traffic problems, focusing on sustainable solutions that consider long-term planning is essential instead of running behind short-term fixes. While short-term solutions such as road widening, temporary parking, and flyovers may provide immediate relief, they may not be sustainable in the long run and can create additional problems.
Instead, long-term planning that considers at least 50 years, if not 100 years, into the future is necessary when it comes to infrastructure projects like building new roads or redesigning existing ones. Such planning can help prevent the need for frequent modifications and renovations, which can be costly and disruptive to traffic flow. Long-term planning should focus on reducing the need for cars on the road and improving public transportation systems. Integrated transport networks that provide efficient and affordable public transport options, such as buses, trains, and metros, should be developed. Moreover, promoting non-motorized transport options such as walking and cycling can help reduce road congestion.
In addition to improving public transport, long-term planning should also focus on developing mixed-use neighbourhoods. Creating urban areas where residents can live, work, and play in the same vicinity can reduce the need for long commutes and car usage. For example, Mahindra World City in Chennai, where I reside, is a mixed-use development that combines residential, commercial, and industrial zones, reducing the need for residents to commute long distances for work or leisure. Such developments reduce traffic congestion and improve residents' quality of life by providing convenient access to essential amenities and recreational facilities.
Furthermore, cities should encourage using electric and hybrid vehicles and develop smart transportation systems that utilize data and technology to manage traffic flow efficiently.
Urban infrastructure, such as airports, major transport terminals, and wholesale distribution markets, plays a vital role in a city's economy. However, when these facilities are located too close to city centres, they can become major contributors to traffic congestion. As cities grow and expand around these facilities, they limit their scope for expansion and modernization, leading to the need for new infrastructure projects.
To avoid this problem, these facilities should be located at a substantial distance from city centres. For example, airports should be located outside the city centre by at least 60 to 70 kilometres to avoid traffic congestion, limit the need for new infrastructure projects, and provide better connectivity to travellers. Similarly, major transport terminals and wholesale distribution markets should also be located from the city centre, about 40-50 kilometres away, with enough plans for future expansion and smooth connectivity.
Cities need to plan for the future growth of their infrastructure and consider the impact of location on traffic congestion. By locating these facilities at a distance, cities can avoid traffic congestion, limit the need for new infrastructure projects, and provide better connectivity to their residents. This can lead to significant economic benefits for the city and a better quality of life for its citizens.
Traffic congestion is a major problem in cities worldwide, and to tackle this problem, innovative concepts like ring roads, shifted schedules, and centralized control have been introduced.
Ring roads are essentially roads that encircle a city and allow traffic to bypass it. They have been implemented in several cities globally and have effectively reduced traffic congestion. For example, I have personally experienced the benefits of the ring road concept while working in Qatar. The Doha Expressway, a ring road around the capital city, drastically reduces traffic congestion, and sometimes it takes less than 10 minutes to travel 16 to 18 kilometres on the road.
Another innovative concept is the implementation of multiple work shifts across industries, which can help decongest roads during peak hours and optimize public transport usage. This approach has been successful in several cities worldwide, where employers stagger their employees' work schedules to avoid peak-hour congestion.
Moreover, as implemented in Qatar, a centralized road management system can also help streamline road management and reduce corruption and mismanagement. Under this system, all road-related works are managed by a centralized authority. Other departments related to electricity, telecommunication, public works, water supply etc., follow their guidelines and get work permits with heavy penalties and timeline clauses.
Traffic congestion, accidents, and violations are some of the major issues faced by Indian cities. While road infrastructure development is essential, effectively implementing traffic management measures can go a long way in addressing these issues. One of the primary reasons for traffic violations is the lack of strict penalties and enforcement. This can be improved by utilizing technology and implementing a more efficient penalty system.
Many countries have implemented strict penalty systems for traffic violations, and India can take inspiration from them. For instance, the penalty for jumping a red signal in Singapore is a fine of SGD 200 (approximately INR 12,000) and 12 demerit points. These demerit points are added to the driver's license and lead to a license suspension if accumulated to a certain extent. Similarly, in the UAE, the penalty for wrong-lane driving is a fine of AED 400 (approximately INR 9,000) and four black points.
Advanced technologies such as lane scanner cameras, road radars, and traffic flow management systems can also help optimize traffic flow and reduce traffic violations. For example, lane scanner cameras can detect vehicles changing lanes without signalling, and traffic flow management systems can regulate the speed and movement of vehicles on roads to reduce congestion.
In addition to these technologies, special advanced number plates can also integrate with the traffic management system. These number plates can be equipped with sensors and can communicate with toll passes, eliminating the need for toll booths. The data collected from these number plates can also help take measures to improve the traffic management system in the present and future.
Moreover, an automated system for issuing traffic penalties can reduce corruption and bring efficiency. The penalty amount can be determined based on the violation's location, time, and severity. For instance, the penalty for jumping a red light at a busy junction can be higher than at a less busy one.
Efficient traffic management has significant economic benefits. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, reducing traffic congestion could add $600 billion to India's GDP over the next 15 years. This is due to various factors, such as increased productivity and reduced fuel consumption. When people spend less time in traffic, they can use that time more productively, whether for work or leisure activities. This, in turn, leads to increased economic output.
In addition to increased productivity, reducing traffic congestion also has environmental benefits. As vehicles spend less time idling in traffic, there is a reduction in harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution. This benefits not only public health but also garner economic benefits. According to a study by the World Health Organization, the economic cost of air pollution in India was estimated to be around $ 150 billion in 2022.
In India, road accidents are a major public health and safety concern, with an estimated 150,000 people losing their lives each year. In addition to human costs, road accidents also have high economic costs, such as medical expenses, lost productivity, and property damage. Furthermore, reducing traffic congestion can lead to fewer road accidents.
Efficient traffic management also has the potential to increase public transport usage, reducing the number of private vehicles on the road. This can lead to reduced fuel consumption, less traffic congestion, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
To sum up, traffic congestion is a significant obstacle to India's economic progress. Although short-term measures may provide temporary relief, it is essential to prioritize long-term planning to mitigate the detrimental effects of traffic congestion on the environment, economy, and quality of life. This planning should incorporate sustainable solutions such as reducing reliance on private cars, enhancing public transportation systems, public awareness and creating mixed-use communities. Additionally, moving major urban public infrastructures away from the city centre can help alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity. Innovative strategies like advanced road layouts, staggered work schedules, and technology can also reduce city traffic congestion. Dealing with traffic congestion necessitates a comprehensive approach considering the long-term implications of infrastructure and urban planning decisions.
