Authors: MANAV PAWAR = 44, REVATI GUJAR = 20, SAKSHI KAMBLE = 29
Introduction :-
Vidyavihar Station, located in the bustling heart of Mumbai, experiences significant congestion on its flyover every morning. The flyover serves as a crucial connector for pedestrians, vehicles, and railway commuters. Due to its strategic location, it becomes a hotspot for daily traffic snarls. Factors such as the high volume of commuters, unregulated traffic, and lack of infrastructure often contribute to the congestion.
Understanding the reasons behind this daily rush is essential for proposing effective solutions to mitigate traffic woes. This study investigates the primary causes of congestion and offers insights into potential measures for smoother traffic management.
Objective:-
To analyze the factors contributing to the morning rush at Vidyavihar Station’s flyover and suggest actionable solutions for traffic management.
Literature Review:-
Urban Traffic Congestion and Commuting Patterns:-
According to Smith et al. (2022), urban centers with poor traffic management experience higher congestion levels. Factors like increased private vehicle use, inadequate public transport facilities, and narrow roads worsen the problem. Additionally, lack of pedestrian infrastructure and limited parking further contribute to congestion.
Impact of Commuter Behavior on Traffic Flow:-
Research by Patel & Shah (2021) suggests that commuter behavior significantly affects traffic patterns. The preference for personal vehicles over public transport leads to an increase in congestion. Furthermore, non-compliance with traffic regulations often aggravates the problem.
Transportation Infrastructure and its Role:-
Kumar and Banerjee (2020) emphasized that underdeveloped transport infrastructure in metropolitan areas is a primary cause of daily traffic jams. Insufficient flyovers, traffic signals, and public transport facilities exacerbate the issue. Improving infrastructure and introducing smart traffic management systems can alleviate congestion.
Data Collection:-
To understand the factors contributing to the congestion at Vidyavihar Station’s flyover, we formulated 5 questions using a Likert Scale. The responses ranged from Strongly Agree (1) to Strongly Disagree (5). A total of 136 commuters were surveyed. The hypothesized mean was set at 3 for analysis. The questions were as follows:
The station lacks seating, causing people to block pathways.
Ongoing construction is causing inconvenience for passengers.
Train delays leads to overcrowding.
The absence of escalators or lift makes difficult to exit.
The staircases are so packed that I don’t reach on time to college.
QUESTION
1
2
3
4
5
MEAN
2.31
2.30
2.36
2.52
2.50
STANDARD DEVIATION
1.29
1.35
1.28
1.38
1.45
STANDARD ERROR
0.13
0.13
0.13
0.14
0.14
Z VALUE
-5.33
-5.20
-5.01
-3.47
-3.46
RESULT
NEGATIVE
NEGATIVE
NEGATIVE
NEGATIVE
NEGATIVE
Conclusion:-
Traffic Management Issues: The lack of effective traffic management is a primary reason for the congestion. Improved signal systems and on-ground traffic personnel can ease the situation.
Private Vehicle Overload: Excessive use of personal vehicles significantly contributes to the rush. Promoting public transportation and carpooling can mitigate the problem.
Insufficient Infrastructure: The narrow flyover and the absence of alternate routes further exacerbate congestion. Expanding road infrastructure and constructing additional flyovers could reduce traffic density.
Parking and Encroachments: Unauthorized parking and encroachments near the flyover add to the chaos. Implementing strict parking regulations and regular enforcement can prevent this issue.
References:-
Smith, J., & Thomas, R. (2022). Urban Traffic Congestion and Commuting Patterns: A Case Study Approach.
Patel, K., & Shah, L. (2021). Commuter Behavior and its Impact on Traffic Flow in Metropolitan Cities.
Kumar, R., & Banerjee, M. (2020). Transportation Infrastructure Development and Traffic Management in India.