Gridlock Nation: Solving the Traffic Jam Crisis
By Kriti Bhargava
If you’re stuck in a traffic jam in Mumbai or Bengaluru, chances are you’re navigating through one of the world’s Top 10 most-choked roads, as per the latest TomTom Traffic Index Report. It’s a dubious honour that no city should aspire to, yet India seems to embrace it with alarming regularity. The traffic situation in the country has escalated to such a dire state that four Indian cities find themselves in the world's top 60 for the most congested traffic. The average Mumbai resident wastes the equivalent of 8 days and 17 hours a year stuck in traffic jams, while an average Delhi resident spends 7 days and 22 hours, according to TomTom’s 2019 report.In a world where each one of us is constantly running short on time, it is imperative to delve into the multifaceted problems plaguing Indian traffic, examining the root causes and proposing strategies for mitigation.
At the heart of India's traffic woes lies a combination of factors that conspire to create gridlock daily. Poor public transport infrastructure coupled with low utilization rates exacerbates traffic congestion in Indian cities. As a result, rapid urbanization and economic growth have led to a surge in vehicle ownership, exacerbating congestion on already strained road networks. Despite being a critical component of urban mobility, public transport systems often suffer from inadequate coverage, unreliable services, and overcrowding, deterring people from utilizing them as a viable alternative to private vehicles. Bus ridership in India’s metropolitan cities has declined by 20% over the last decade, according to TomTom’s 2019 report. Additionally, perceptions of discomfort, safety concerns, and lack of convenience further contribute to the reluctance to use public transport. The graph shows the increase in the number of vehicles registered. Vehicle ownership and usage continue to rise as compared to public transport, exacerbating congestion on already strained road networks.
The advent of ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber has undoubtedly simplified urban mobility, offering convenient transportation options at the tap of a button. However, this convenience has also given rise to a major issue in the form of increased congestion on city streets. According to the data on Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India, the share of two- wheelers has consistently increased; while the share of buses and goods vehicles has consistently decreased. The share of 4-wheelers decreased in the earlier period but increased during the period from 2001 to 2015. Our cities are now inundated with tens of thousands of taxis constantly traversing between drop- off and pick-up points in search of passengers, a phenomenon commonly referred to as deadheading, leading to congestion and increased fuel consumption. The constant circulation of taxis also exacerbates air pollution levels, adding to the already choked atmosphere in urban areas. Not only this, an increase in number of vehicles has increased the chances of accidents. One person is killed in a road accident nearly every three and a half minutes in India. On average, the country witnesses 53 crashes and 19 deaths every hour, according to India's latest Road Accidents Report.
Furthermore, the issue of encroachment poses a significant challenge to urban mobility and traffic management in Indian cities. Unauthorized structures, roadside vendors, and parked vehicles encroach upon valuable road space, narrowing lanes and obstructing the flow of traffic. This not only leads to congestion but also compromises pedestrian safety, accessibility, and inconvenience to the ill. The already narrow roads face another pressing concern: the delayed completion of construction projects, including road expansions, repairs, and maintenance. These delays are exacerbated by adverse weather conditions, bureaucratic hurdles, and funding constraints.
To address this chronic issue of traffic congestion in Indian cities, a multifaceted strategy is essential. Cities can achieve balanced demand and address mobility needs through expanding parking infrastructure, raising fees, enforcing regulations, allocating revenue for public transport, adopting market-based pricing, promoting community engagement, incentivizing ride-sharing, and leveraging technology for sustainable mobility and congestion relief.
With a concerted effort to expand parking infrastructure while simultaneously raising parking fees, and discouraging excessive private vehicle usage, the demand for parking can be effectively managed. Stricter enforcement of parking regulations, including fines for improper parking, will further reinforce the importance of adhering to parking guidelines. The revenue generated from these fines can be allocated to improve public transport infrastructure. Concurrently, it is crucial to address the deficiencies in India's public transport infrastructure.
Allocating a larger portion of funding towards improving buses, electric buses, and metro systems is necessary to enhance accessibility, reliability, and efficiency. In most Indian cities, parking charges remain nominal, with unauthorized parking spots often claimed as entitlements, especially outside one's shop, workplace, or residence. However, political hesitancy to implement policies mandating appropriate parking fees on public land stems from the fear of public backlash. To navigate these challenges, cities can draw inspiration from successful parking reforms implemented in dense urban areas like Manhattan, where demand for parking far exceeds supply.
This strategic approach to parking reform involves reframing the conversation away from parking itself. Instead, officials can engage with residents by asking about the public services lacking in their neighbourhood. By understanding community needs, officials can highlight the financial constraints preventing the provision of these services. The alternative approach, inspired by successful models in other cities, involves implementing market-based pricing for curb parking. Revenue generated from these parking fees can then be reinvested into funding the desired public services identified by the community. This approach ensures that the decision-making process is not top-down but instead empowers neighbourhoods to prioritize and decide on their needs. Ultimately, the city's role lies in facilitating this process by presenting the offer and supporting communities in implementing the chosen reforms. Additionally, implementing ride-sharing and pooling initiatives through apps like Ola and Uber can help alleviate traffic congestion. By incentivizing shared rides through discounted fares, individuals are encouraged to carpool, thereby reducing overall traffic congestion and emissions. However, it's essential to keep in mind the phenomenon of deadheading, where taxis roam the streets in search of passengers, contributing to congestion and pollution. Efforts to optimize the efficiency of ride-sharing services through algorithmic solutions and the use of artificial intelligence are necessary, along with promoting alternative modes of transport and fostering a culture of sustainable mobility.
In conclusion, the challenge of traffic congestion in Indian cities demands urgent and comprehensive action. The intricate web of issues, from inadequate public transport to encroachment and reckless driving, necessitates strategic interventions. By implementing solutions such as increasing parking spaces and prices, enhancing public transport infrastructure, and reframing discussions on parking reform, cities can pave the way towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation system. Additionally, fostering community engagement and incentivizing ride-sharing initiatives offer promising avenues for change. With a holistic approach that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and public welfare, Indian cities can transform their traffic landscapes, ensuring smoother, safer, and more enjoyable journeys for all residents.
“A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich use public transportation” - Gustavo Petro, Mayor of Bogota, Columbia
Kriti Bhargava is currently a student of the GCPP (Technology and Policy) Programme.