Traffic Signals Cause 90% of Delays in Nagpur, Modernisation Urged
A recent survey under Nagpur’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) has revealed that traffic signals account for 90% of the traffic delays in the Nagpur Metropolitan Area (NMA). The survey, conducted by MahaMetro in collaboration with RITES, paints a concerning picture of the city’s traffic situation, showing that peak-hour congestion leads to average speeds dropping to as low as 28 km/h. The peak traffic times, as per the study, are between 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
Nagpur, like many other rapidly growing cities, is struggling with an increasing number of vehicles on the road. In the first 20 days of 2024 alone, over 10,000 new vehicles were registered across the district, highlighting the urgency for improved road infrastructure. Experts have warned that if these issues are not addressed soon, they will only worsen. Ashok Karandikar, a road safety expert and member of the NGO Jan Akrosh, stressed the importance of upgrading the city’s traffic signal systems. He pointed to the need for flexible traffic signals that use automatic time cycle controllers, which adjust signal timings dynamically based on real-time traffic density. Karandikar explained that such systems are not prohibitively expensive and have already been implemented successfully in some parts of India, showing substantial reductions in congestion and smoother traffic flow.
“Flexible systems can adapt to changing traffic patterns, preventing long waiting times at signals,” said Karandikar. “This would not only ease congestion but also reduce unsafe practices like jumping signals or driving on the wrong side of the road, which often occur when drivers get frustrated with delays.” In line with this, DCP Traffic Archit Chandak provided an update on the steps the city is taking. He confirmed that the city is planning to implement an Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) in the next 12 to 15 months. This AI-based system will analyse traffic patterns over seven days and adjust signal timings accordingly, further optimising traffic flow and reducing delays.
While the adoption of smart traffic management systems is in the pipeline, Chandak explained that short-term measures are also being put in place to alleviate congestion. For instance, a two-way traffic model has been introduced at Rahate-Kriplani Square, which has already shown positive results. Chandak highlighted that the introduction of such models and the proper regulation of signals plays a crucial role in maintaining road safety and improving traffic management. However, the CMP report also pointed out another critical issue: the lack of service roads in Nagpur. With only 20% of the 650-km road network in the NMA equipped with service roads, connectivity is severely limited, and congestion worsens. Service roads are essential as they ensure smooth traffic flow while providing access to properties along highways.
Karandikar highlighted that the absence of service roads has delayed significant infrastructure projects, such as the Kamptee flyover, as there is often no space for necessary ramps or connections. The shortage of service roads, he argues, severely hampers the development of efficient and safe urban transport systems. As Nagpur continues to grow, both in terms of population and vehicular traffic, experts argue that addressing these infrastructure gaps is crucial for improving urban mobility. With the implementation of dynamic traffic signal systems and the development of service roads, Nagpur could reduce congestion and make its streets safer for all residents. NMA officials are optimistic that these efforts, both short-term and long-term, will lead to a significant reduction in traffic delays and a more efficient transportation network. However, they also acknowledge that addressing these issues requires careful planning and investment, as the city’s growing population demands smarter, more adaptable traffic management solutions.
