Low carbon mobility strategies for CBD area: the case of Gwalior city

Abstract

Low carbon mobility strategies aims at decarbonizing transport via technological developments, by example the Zero Emission Vehicles. There are ways to achieve LCM such as adoption of ASI strategy. (Avoid: NVZ, parking charges and car rationalization: Shift: Willingness to shift to low carbon modes: Improve: Improving the public transport, bicycle sharing systems and traffic calming measures). This thesis aims to study the feasibility of implementation of low carbon travel demand strategies and assess environmental benefit. The aim is achieved through streamlined objectives by studying the land use pattern and travel behavior of the study area, understanding various low carbon travel demand strategies and its environmental benefits and to recommend suitable low carbon transportation strategies for the study area. Travel flow characteristics have been estimated through Origin and Destination Survey by forming traffic analysis zones. Sampling is done for Household Survey from which O-D survey is taken and roadside O-D survey in the different zones of the city. O-D survey, Household survey & Operator survey has been done to know the trip attraction to Maharaj Bada Area. Calculation of Present (2019) and Projected Trips (2031) at Maharaj Bada according to their flow characteristics and mode wise trips. After this , Present and Future level of Emission (Business As Usual Scenario) is calculated Based on total length of trip based on fuel type and emission factors for different pollutants .Opinion survey has been performed to know the people choice and their willingness to shift to low carbon modes and estimating the reduction in trip length and emission for the year 2031. And lastly, trend analysis shows the reduction in emission due to shift to low carbon modes and also the up gradation of fuel standards. Gwalior leads other MP cities with 23% diesel, and 6,9% petrol vehicles with emissions above allowable limits . 25000 vehicles monitored in the last fiscal, and more than 1500 violating norms by polluting above permissible limits. Bada iii Low Carbon Mobility Strategies for CBD Area: The Case of Gwalior City being the major trip attraction point the rapid growth of vehicular flow results in degrading Ambient Air Quality. During the peak hours of Bada, face the problem of traffic congestion. High pedestrian flow is in the study area that is vulnerable to unmanaged vehicle movement and unauthorized parking. Due to automotive emissions, there also occur losses in health. There is a lack of public transport (1.5%) and population depends on the Intermediate public transport (Tempos and autos) and on private modes which are creating congestion and pollution. City lacks in terms of pedestrianisation and bicycle systems. There also exists On-Street parking is an encroachment on the carriageway which reduces the effective number of lanes; leading to congestion. Maharaj Bada Area is the major commercial core of the city and Majority of trips either originates or destine at Bada Area, which sounds it more congested leading to degrading Air Quality. Existing Roads are exceeding its capacity to cater the mobility demands of public. The predominant modes are two – wheelers and Tempos which are creating pollution. Present trips at Maharaj Bada (2019) are estimated as 204357.87 and projected trips for the year 2031 are 345958.50.The emissions level for 2019 is 1515801.52 km/g and for 2031 is 2510283.71km/g which shows 994482.18 increase in the level of emission by 2031 at Business As Usual Scenario. According to willingness to shift survey, people are willing to travel by Bicycle (if proper cycle lanes and safety) and E-rickshaws. Various best practices are studied to reduce emission from the transportation to improve the degrading air quality and combined to form strategies which helps In determining the level of emissions Strategy 1 is a Motorized Based Approach which includes car rationalization system is combination with the increase in parking charges and reduction in emission level is 1655989.46 km/g. Strategy 2: Area Based Approach by which Bada is considered as No vehicle zone rather than reducing trips to Bada. The reduction in motorized trips will be done by making Bada as NVZ and providing Bike sharing system to move in close proximity and providing E-rickshaw as IPT for longer distance and reduction in emission level is 1506962.11 km/g. iv Low Carbon Mobility Strategies for CBD Area: The Case of Gwalior City Strategy 3: By Restricting Vehicles in Peak Hour which determines the use of motorized vehicle by restricting vehicles in peak hour and allowing them to access them off peak hour for short duration by increasing parking charges which will reduce congestion and solar rickshaw will be used as IPT and reduction in emission level is1652033.69 km/g. Strategy 4: Promoting High Occupancy Vehicles accounts for Pedal buses will be used as it has high occupancy and increase parking charges of cars will be done, if it has occupancy of minimum 6 people to promote carpooling and reduction in emission level is1580562.28 km/g.Strategy 2 is the most efficient strategy compared to others and strategy 4 is the second most efficient & will reduce pollution by approximately 15 lakh (g/km). Strategy 2 is the most efficient strategy that can be implemented which includes No vehicle zone, and bike sharing. For implementing Phase –I plan, it has been observed that however, the Master Plan width of the road is 18m but the ground conditions (ROW: 7m-15m) differ from Master Plan. For implementing Phase –I, widening of roads will be required along the alternative routes i.e. PichaddiDhyodhi Route. It has been observed that Phase II plan of traffic circulation plan can be implemented in the existing road conditions, wherein the turn in the front of Victoria Market will be closed and the traffic approaching from DaulatGanj road will move via MadhavGanj road and reach Maharaj Bada via Scout and Guide office. For the effective implementation of the plan effective management strategies need to draw upon. Strengthening of institutions needed for better coordination of activities and also the local participation. For traffic diversion plan, there must be command and control strategy which includes stringent enforcement of traffic rules and accountability of people. Shift to low carbon modes which forms the pillar of ASI strategy and incentives for promoting low emission vehicle should be adopted to reduce emissions.