IMPLICATIONS OF SPRAWLED AND COMPACT DEVELOPMENT ON MOBILITY PATTERNS: A CASE-STUDY OF BHOPAL, INDIA

Abstract

Cities across the world are witness to increasing phenomenon of urban sprawl. The paper contends that sprawl affects mobility in terms of increased dependence on private motor vehicle which is high in energy use and carbon emissions. The study is based on primary investigation of three neighbourhoods in Bhopal city (India), the first two lying within the city in varying contexts and the third outside the present city limits which can be classified as a sprawl. The analysis throws significant light on the changes in mobility pattern in areas with more compact development vis-à-vis those that have sprawled with relatively lower densities. It shows that densely populated areas having mixed use has higher share of walk trips and that the average trip length is higher in lower density areas in sprawls. The study further examines the role of land use planning, zoning regulations and urban form in encouraging sustainable mobility.