Examination of Traffic Congestion and Remedial Measures, Coimbatore City

Abstract

During the past few years, there has been high growth of demand for road transportation .The volume of road traffic has increased continuously over years due to the increase in the vehicle population, buying power, rented cab services, increasing economy activities and urbanisation. Road accidents and traffic congestion impose a burden on the society. Reducing the traffic congestion and road accidents are very important for efficient road transportation. With the increase in population in Coimbatore, the number of vehicles also increased. An effort has been made to study the traffic volume of Avinashi Road NH47, Trichy Road, NH81, Sathy Road NH209, Mettupalayam Road NH67 and Other Corporations Road . The vehicle population in Coimbatore has increased at an alarming rate. In the year 2014-15, around 27100 two wheelers, 4800 cars and 1800 other transport vehicles have been registered. In the year 2015-16, 33000 two wheelers, 6700 cars and 3040 other vehicles have been registered. The increase in the percentage comes to 20%, 40%, 40% respectively during the years 2014-15, 2015-16. Coimbatore has a large number of floating population. The traffic on its roads has increased so much that it often becomes very difficult to cross a road. During the peak hours of the day, we find an unending stream of buses, trucks, cars, tempos, scooters, motor-cycles and cycles are seen in many roads. Most of the drivers of the vehicles do not observe traffic rules. Other than this, accident data opinion survey was also carried to know the problems faced by the pedestrians. After analyzing all the data, remedial measures such as widening of road, removal/ relocation of bus stops, implementation of speed brakers and introduction of manned and unmanned traffic signals are suggested in the study area. An overall analysis was carried out to determine the effects of introducing the remedial measures. It is found that the traffic congestion can be reduced if the remedial measures are implemented.