Indore Traffic: Mainstream Causes of Traffic Congestion on Roads and Their Aid.

Indore, the heart of Madhya Pradesh and also noted to be the largest city of the state, is also a rapidly growing metropolitan city with a population of over 2.5 million people (about twice the population of Hawaii). With its increasing population and expanding infrastructure, traffic has become a major concern in Indore. In this blog, we will explore the traffic scenario in Indore, its causes, and possible solutions. 

Mainstream Causes of Traffic Congestion in Indore:

Increase in the number of vehicles:

 The number of vehicles on Indore roads has increased drastically over the past few years. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the total number of registered vehicles in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, as of March 2021 was around 15.5 lakh. The total number of registered vehicles in Indore was approximately 9,91,325 in 2020, compared to approximately 7,78,888 in 2015. This included both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The increase in the number of vehicles has led to a rise in traffic congestion. 

Poor Infrastructure:  

Despite being a rapidly growing city, Indore’s infrastructure has not kept pace with its growth. The city’s roads are narrow, and there are not enough flyovers, subways, and foot overbridges, leading to traffic jams and accidents. Although the work for flyover bridges has started, the construction time has come with other inconveniences.

Lack of public transport:

Indore has a limited public transport system, and people rely mostly on personal vehicles. The buses and trains that do run are often crowded, and the frequency is low, leading to people opting for personal vehicles. 

Unplanned Urbanization: 

Indore has witnessed unplanned urbanization, with new colonies and buildings coming up without proper planning. This has led to the haphazard growth of the city, with no consideration for traffic flow. 

 Aids for Traffic Congestion in Indore

Improved public transport:

The focus should be on improving the public transport system in Indore. This can be done by increasing the number of buses, improving the frequency of buses and introducing new modes of public transport like trams, metro, and monorail. 

Road Widening:  

Indore’s roads need to be widened to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles. This can be done by demolishing encroachments, relocating shops, and buildings that are blocking the roads, and creating new roads where necessary. 

Traffic Management:  

Proper traffic management can help reduce traffic congestion in Indore. This can be done by setting up traffic signals, installing CCTV cameras, and appointing traffic police to regulate traffic flow.

Promotion of Carpooling and Cycling:  

The government can promote carpooling and cycling by creating dedicated lanes for bicycles and offering incentives for carpooling. This will help reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and ease traffic congestion. 

Conclusion: 

Traffic congestion is a major problem in Indore that needs urgent attention. The government needs to take immediate action to improve the city’s infrastructure, public transport system, and traffic management. Only with a comprehensive approach that considers all the causes of traffic congestion can Indore become a city with a smooth traffic flow.