Delhi PWD to conduct traffic simulation and safety audit for 2,205km of roads
The ₹11.17-crore project will use digital models to study congestion and road safety across the South, North, and East zones.
The Public Works Department (PWD) will carry out a digital traffic simulation study and a road safety audit for 2,205.68km of roads in Delhi, according to the Hindustan Times. The exercise covers 1,796 roads across the South, North, and East zones of the city.
The ₹11.17-crore project aims to address increasing congestion and rising road accidents. A project report stated that rising vehicle numbers, inadequate road capacity, poorly designed intersections, and on-street parking have contributed to frequent bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours.
The study will cover 426.28 km of roads in the South Zone, 1,374.76 km in the North Zone, and 404.64 km in the East Zone. The PWD manages arterial roads with widths exceeding 60ft, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi oversees smaller roads.
Engineers will collect data on vehicle speeds, travel times, and pedestrian movement to create virtual models using specialised software. These models will allow planners to test solutions, such as changing signal timings or introducing new flyovers and underpasses, before they are implemented.
The second phase involves a road safety audit focusing on accident-prone areas and vulnerable users like cyclists and pedestrians. This audit will evaluate signage, street lighting, footpaths, and zebra crossings to identify safety gaps.
The department intends to recommend engineering changes, including improved road markings and redesigned junctions, to reduce accident risks. The study is expected to be finished within three months.