Assessing event-driven parking and congestion issues: a case study of central Delhi

Abstract

Urban mobility in major metropolitan areas like Delhi is increasingly challenged by the rapid growth of private vehicle ownership and gaps in enforcement mechanisms. Central Delhi, being the city’s administrative and cultural nucleus, frequently hosts a range of large-scale events including concerts, political gatherings, sports tournaments, and religious festivals. While these events enhance the city’s vibrancy and cultural identity, they also trigger sharp increases in vehicular movement and parking demand, leading to severe traffic congestion and disruptions to everyday mobility. As a key urban hub, Central Delhi experiences intense pressure on its transport and parking infrastructure during such events. This thesis critically investigates the issue of event-induced traffic congestion and parking stress, aiming to evaluate the resulting challenges and propose evidence-based planning solutions. The central objective is to understand how event-related surges in parking demand influence traffic flow and infrastructure performance. The study delves into international case studies on event traffic management, assesses the adequacy of existing parking facilities and traffic management systems, and examines the factors that intensify parking pressure during events. It also explores attendees' parking behavior, preferences, and the impact of policy enforcement and transport options on congestion outcomes. A mixed-method research approach has been adopted, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative tools. This includes an in-depth literature review, on-ground traffic and parking surveys (such as parking inventory assessments, user preference studies, and traffic volume counts), and an evaluation of relevant policies. The research identifies significant shortcomings in infrastructure, enforcement, and integration between transport and land use planning, all of which compound congestion during events. Initial findings reveal that limited parking infrastructure, weak enforcement, and the lack of efficient Pedestrian network alternatives significantly contribute to the problem. Based on these insights, the thesis proposes targeted strategies including the promotion of public transport, the development of park-and-ride systems, dynamic pricing for parking, and stronger regulatory oversight. Keywords: Event, Parking, Traffic Congestion, Traffic Management, Urban Mobility