Delhi has a total population of 8.2M, with average annual growth rate 4.5%, and an area of 1483 sq km. Its general transport trends, travel characteristics, and socio-economic development patterns are comparable to those of many other cities, especially in developing countries. Although Delhi has very heterogeneous traffic, its road infrastructure does not yet have any special provisions to meet the varying demands of different modes. Despite efforts to promote mixed land-use planning, the growth of unauthorised settlements and pavement dwellings defies Delhi's master plan. Delhi's heterogeneity leads to `chaotic' traffic flow patterns, increasing air pollution, and a phenomenal increase in traffic crashes. Tables show the estimated maximum ground level concentration of various pollutants due to vehicle emissions on selected transport corridors in Delhi in 1993, and the distribution of road traffic fatalities in Delhi in 1985. Issues for discussion include: (1) analysis of traffic flow problems in the context of social environment; (2) conflicting requirements between users of different transport modes; (3) trade-offs to resolve conflicts; and (4) the need for transport planning to incorporate heterogeneity.
Abstract