Application of graph-based model for the quantification of transport network in peri-urban interface of Burdwan City, India

Abstract

A regional transportation system is an assemblage of multiple and diverse point-to-point movements that occur between similarly multiple origins and destinations. Burdwan city, the administrative, economic and educational capital of Barddhaman district of West Bengal in eastern India, is experiencing continuous growth and change for a long time. As a consequence of rapid economic growth and change, there is high mobility of goods and passengers within and outside the city, which leads to high transportation demand. The city’s road network has a radial form; being shaped by five major roads, it radiates out from central business district to outskirts. In this regard, the present study aims to analyse the application of graph theory of the transport network in peri-urban area of Burdwan city. The study area enjoys multi-modal connectivity with other important regions both within the district as well as with other important destinations within the state. Therefore, network analysis being an important analytical tool of transportation analysis as it involves the depiction of the array of nodes and their relationships with arcs seem pertinent for the study. Thus, to measure the transport network in peri-urban Burdwan, we have employed different indices through apt use of Geographic Information System. The results indicate that the road network connectivity is good in most part of the area. However, we would like to suggest that more accessible and efficient connectivity is required for the peri-urban area while taking into consideration the regional transport network of the area, its future growth potential, and significance of its connection to the Burdwan city.