Traffic Management as support measure to Urban Planning: Case study of Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab)

Abstract of paper published during 55th National Town and Country planners Congress of Institute of Town Planners, India

Organic growth and development of various land uses, lacking public transport system, faulty road geometry and absent traffic controls are breading grounds for imbalanced traffic distribution, traffic congestion, reduced efficiencies, conflicts, accidents, speed variations, parking problems, energy losses and environmental degradation. These problems vary both in nature & magnitude and from one town to another. The urban planning practices followed to design and develop various land uses in towns and cities govern the transportation systems and vice versa. Generally, well-planned urban planning practices result in successful stories. Their success is largely linked with many supportive measures, one of the most important amongst all being traffic management. A proper blend of the two makes the towns and cities perform better, efficient and safer. The present paper attempts to appreciate the urban planning practices and traffic conditions existing in Fatehgarh Sahib town in Punjab and suggest traffic management measures as support to better urban planning practices in it. The paper is based on an empirical study conducted in 2001 to prepare traffic operation plan for approach roads to Fatehgarh Sahib.

Authors:

Mr. Vikram Sethi, Environment Consultant, Tata Consultancy Services, Mumbai
Mr. Ashwani Luthra, Reader, Guru Ramdas School of Planning, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar