CHAPTER 3

APPRECIATION OF CASE STUDY AREA: DELHI

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Delhi is located at 28.61N 77.23E and situated in North India. Its borders
touch two Indian states viz. Haryana on the north, west & south and Uttar Pradesh
to the east. Five National Highways connects Delhi viz. NH-1: Delhi-Amritsar, NH-
2: Delhi-Agra, NH-8: Delhi-Jaipur, NH-10: Delhi-Rohtak and NH-24: Delhi-
Lucknow; shown in Figure 3.1. Delhi has good connectivity through railways. It is
also headquarter of Northern Railway. There are five main railway stations in Delhi
viz. New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Nizamuddin Railway
Station, Anand Vihar Railway Station and Sarai Rohella Railway Station. The India
Gandhi International Airport (IGAI) provides international and domestic air
transport services. In terms of traffic volumes, it is second to Mumbai, and handles
annually about 35.88 million passengers and 0.56 million tonnes of cargo traffic in
the year 2011-12 [draft Revised Regional Plan for National Capital Region
2021(2013)]. Delhi being a capital of India is a political hub and economic hub of
the nation and attracts people for employment opportunities from whole country. In
this manner, it is influenced by the entire nation. But, it is predominantly influenced
by three neighbouring States i.e. Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Load on the
basic infrastructure is increasing day by day; even now it has reached to its
saturation level. Though the Government has taken many steps to meet the demand,
but still fulfilling all the demand will take time. The transport infrastructure is
overloaded, roads are saturated, volume to capacity (V/C) ratio on the Delhi roads

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has crossed to 1; even many places it crossed 2 also. Public Transport System is
also inadequate. Presently Delhi Metro is providing a big relief to the city.

INDIA
DELHI

Figure 3.1 : Study Area-Delhi

3.2 POPULATION AND AREA

The geographical area of Delhi is 1,484 km2. It comprises of nine districts.

As per census 2011, the population of Delhi is 1.68 crores with population density
of 225 persons per hectare. The population of Delhi has increases with a decadal
growth of 21.6% between 2001 and 2011, which is expected to 2.3 crores by
2021(Master Plan for Delhi-2021).

3.3 TRANSPORTATION SCENARIO IN DELHI

M/s RITES conducted a study on Transport Demand Forecast Study and

Development of an Integrated Road cum Multi-modal Public Transport Network for
NCT of Delhi in 2007, wherein data related to traffic situation in Delhi has been

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collected in detail, which has been referred in most of the following sections to
discuss the transportation scenario in Delhi.

3.3.1 Growth of Vehicles in Delhi

As per Delhi Statistical Handbook 2011, the vehicles in Delhi have grown at
the rate of 7.41% per annum between 2003-04 and 2010-11, presented in Table 3.1.
A number of private vehicles has increased substantially from 3.98 million to 6.52
million during that period. However, the growth rate of commercial vehicles
(9.42%) is higher than the growth rate of private vehicles (7.29%).

Table 3.1: Growth of Vehicles in Delhi

S.N. Category of Vehicle No. of vehicles (in Annual Compound
million) Growth Rate
2003-04 2010-11
1. Private Vehicles 3.98 6.52 7.29%
2. Commercial Vehicles 0.22 0.42 9.42%
Total 4.20 6.93 7.41%

The numbers of private vehicles (cars 4500000

4050000
3600000
and two-wheelers) have grown exponentially 3150000
2700000
between year 2003 and year 2010, shown in 2250000
1800000

Figure 3.2. 1350000

900000
450000
0

Cars & Jeeps Two Wheelers All Others

Figure 3.2: Vehicular Growth in Delhi

(Category-wise)

3.3.2 Traffic Volume

M/s RITES has conducted traffic volume at 61 mid-block locations and 89

screen line locations for the duration of 16 hours. It is observed that the traffic at
different locations varies from 4,528 PCUs (5,395 Vehicle) at Mansarovar Garden

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to 1,44,353 PCUs (1,44,939 Vehicle) at Ring Road (Near Naraina ROB). The
locations which exhibit high traffic volumes (more than 100,000 PCUs) are
Nizamuddin Bridge, ITO (Near ITO Office), Lala Hardev Sahai Road (Near IT
Park), Outer Ring Road (Peera Garhi ROB), Tilak Marg (Near Tilak Bridge) &
Patel Road (Near Shadipur ROB).

3.3.3 Peak Hour Traffic

The morning peak hour volume varies from 404 PCUs (483 vehicles) at
Mansarovar Garden to 13,117 PCUs (15,657 vehicles) at Nizamuddin Bridge.
Evening peak hour volume varies from 321 PCUs (391 vehicles) at Mansarovar
Garden to 14,152 PCUs (15,228 vehicles) at Ring Road (Near Naraina ROB).
Generally morning peak is between 08:15 am & 10:15 am and evening peak is
between 17:30 pm & 20:00 pm. At some of the locations peak hour is observed
during noon.

3.3.4 Composition of Traffic

The daily traffic composition at most of the locations exhibits predominance

of fast moving passenger traffic varying from 27% at Mandoli road (near Ashok
Nagar Railway Crossing) to 98% at Lala Lajpat Rai Marg (Moolchand flyover). On
an average the light fast moving passenger vehicles comprises 76% of total traffic.
It is observed that the share of slow moving vehicles varies from 0.01% to 72%
with an average of about 20%. The share of bus traffic is observed as low as 0.03%
at Sultanpuri Road (near railway crossing) and maximum of about 8% at Aurobindo
Marg (Near INA Market) with an average of about 2.6% of total traffic. The fast
passenger vehicles predominantly consist of two wheelers, cars and auto, while the
slow vehicles consist of cycles and cycle rickshaws. It is observed that share of cars
in total traffic is more than 40% at many locations. Thus cars which are low
occupancy vehicles are the main cause of traffic congestion on roads. The share of
goods traffic varies from 0.4% to 12% and the average is about 4%.

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3.3.5 Landuse Distribution along Roads

M/s RITES studied the distribution of landuse along 2368 km roads in Delhi.
It is observed that maximum of 34% road network is abutted by residential area
followed by 27% by vacant land as presented in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Landuse Distribution along Roads in Delhi

S.N. Location % Area
1. Residential 34.1
2. Commercial 15
3. Institutional 7.8
4. Agriculture 14.5
5. Industrial 1.4
6. Others 0.4
7. Vacant 26.8
Total 100

3.3.6 Road Network

Delhi has 1922 km of roads per 100 km2 area in 2001 as compared to
national average of 74.73 km per 100 km2 for same period. The road network has
increased from 28,508 km in year 2000 to 30,985 km in year 2007, while the
number of vehicles has doubled from 33.7 lakh in year 2000 to 63.0 lakh in year
2008. This has resulted in heavy traffic congestion and reduction in vehicular speed.

3.3.7 Road Capacity Utilisation (V/C Ratio)

Volume to Capacity Ratio (V/C) is a measure to evaluate the extent of

utilization of road capacity. Ideally, it should be always less than 1. As per IRC
norms, the V/C for design service volume for rural roads is 0.5 and for urban roads
it is 0.7. Corrective measures are required when it exceeds the norms.

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 M/s RITES surveyed 2368 km roads in Delhi, which is further divided into
170 links and their V/C ratio has been studied. It is observed that 75 locations have
V/C ratio is more than 1. Thirty two locations have V/C ratio between 0.8 and 1.
Only 63 locations have V/C ratios less than 0.8.

3.3.8 Per Capita Trip Rate (PCTR)

As per the above mentioned M/s RITES study, a total of 231 Lakh trips are
being performed everyday (year 2007) by the residents of Delhi. Per capita trip rate
including walk has been estimated as 1.38, while PCTR without walk happens to be
is 0.91 along with 0.76 with respect to motorised vehicles.

3.3.9 Trip Length

The analysis of trips of all trip lengths reveals that about 65% trips are
extended up to 20 minutes, 17% trips are lengthened to 21-30 minute duration, and
8% of the trips are of the order of 46-60 minute duration. About 4 % trips are of
more than one hour duration. The 61% car trips travels up to trip length of 10 km
whereas 70% two wheelers experience up to 10 km. For pool car, taxi and shared
taxi, higher number of trips are observed for shorter trip length (up to 6 km) which
includes the education trips. However, without education trips, these modes exhibits
trips of larger average trip lengths. Average trip length for walk is 1.3 Km, for 2-
wheeler 9.12 Km, for Bus 10.2 Km and for Chartered Bus it is of the order of about
22 Km.

3.3.10 Modal Split

The modal split in Delhi is presented in Table 3.3. It depicts that bus share
accounted for a maximum of the order of 41.5%. The phase I of Delhi Metro is
operational by year 2007; therefore its share is also accounted for 4.07%. After
buses, the maximum share of 2-wheeler is observed as 21.5% followed by car/taxis
share as 13.9%. The bicycle share is 6.8%. There is a need to improve the share of

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public transport and Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) in the city to make it
sustainable.

Table 3.3: Modal Split in Delhi (Excluding walk), Year 2007

S.N. Mode % Trips
1. Car/Taxi 13.92
2. 2-Wheeler 21.54
3. Auto-rickshaw 3.60
4. Bus 41.50
5. Metro 4.07
6. Train (Indian Railway) 0.65
7. Bicycle 6.82
8. Cycle rickshaw 7.90
Total 100

3.3.11 Parking Scenario in Delhi

M/s RITES has conducted parking surveys at 100 locations to determine the
parking situation in Delhi. It reveals that the parking demand is estimated to be very
high at most of the locations and exceeding the parking supply.

Parking Index is the ratio of peak hour parking accumulation to parking

supply of spaces. Parking indices are more than 1 at most of the locations. At some
locations parking is of the nature of spilling over the designated area. This indicates
lack of adequate parking spaces and disorderly manner in which parking is
organized.

Parking Turnover is the number of times a parking space is used during a

day. At metro stations where most of the parking is long term, parking turnover is
less. At other locations, parking turnover is high indicating short term parking
duration.

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3.4 POLLUTION LEVELS IN DELHI

3.4.1 Noise Pollution

Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) presents the noise monitoring

data of 41 noise monitoring stations in Delhi of January 2009, which is available in
its website (1). It depicts that maximum equivalent noise level (Leq) in day time is
observed at Rohini of the order of 64 dB(A) and minimum of 57.6 dB(A) at Rajpura
Road with an average Leq of Delhi as 60.54 dB(A). On the other hand, maximum
night time noise level is observed at 60.8 dB(A) at Karawal Nagar and minimum of
46.5 dB(A) at Shanti Vihar, with average Leq of Delhi as 60.54 dB(A). The above
data reveals that the noise pollution in Delhi is above the prescribed limit of 55
dB(A) in day time and 45 dB(A) in night time by MOEF and residents are severely
affected by traffic noise.

Moreover, the maximum equivalent noise level (Leq) in day time at case
study area locations is 68.1 dB(A), which is higher than the above mentioned noise
levels in day time. Similarly, the maximum equivalent noise level (Leq) in night time
is 64.5 dB(A), which is also higher than the above mentioned noise levels in night
time. This indicates the importance to take up the areas as case study.

3.4.2 Air Pollution

The concentration of various air pollutants of June 2009 at 41 monitoring

stations in Delhi is available in the website (2) of Delhi Pollution Control
Committee-DPCC. The summary of concentration of air pollutions viz. carbon
monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), repairable suspended particulate matter
(RSPM), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) in Delhi
is presented in Table 3.4. It depicts that concentration of RSPM and SPM in Delhi
is more than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which is
impacting the health of Delhi residents.

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 Table 3.4: Air Pollution Scenario in Delhi-June 2009
Concentration SO2 RSPM Nox SPM CO
(g/m3) (g/m3) (g/m3) (g/m3) (grams/m3)
Minimum Level 5.2 145 24.2 257 635
(Defence Col.) (Rajpura Road) (Adarsh Nagar) (Nauroji Nagar) (Inder Puri)
Maximum Level 10.8 288 72.5 417 1325
(Sarita Vihar) (Karawal Nagar) (Nauroji Nagar) (Tughlakabad) (Paharganj)
Average Level 7 200 45 337 867
NAAQ Standard 80 100 80 200 -

3.5 SUMMARY

Delhi, the capital of India is located in North India. It borders touches two
Indian states viz. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. It is well connected with road, rail and
air transport. Its area is 1,484 km2 and population is 1.68 crores (as per 2011
census). Traffic in Delhi roads varies from 5,393 vehicles (at Mansarovar Garden)
to 1,44,939 Vehicle (at Ring Road, Near Naraina ROB) in the year 2007. The share
of cars in total traffic is more than 40% at many locations. On an average, the share
of goods traffic is about 4%.

Maximum of 34% road network is abutted by residential area followed by

27% by vacant land. Out of 175 surveyed links, Volume to Capacity Ratio (V/C) at
75 links has been observed to be more than 1. Per capita trip rate (PCTR) including
walk has been estimated as 1.38.

Maximum Leq in day time is observed at Rohini of the order of 64 dB(A) and
minimum of 57.6 dB(A) at Rajpura Road with an average L eq of Delhi as 60.54
dB(A). On the other hand, maximum night time noise level is observed at 60.8
dB(A) at Karawal Nagar and minimum of 46.5 dB(A) at Shanti Vihar, with average
Leq of Delhi as 60.54 dB(A). The above data reveals that the noise pollution in Delhi
is above the prescribed limit of 55 dB(A) in day time and 45 dB(A) in night time by
MOEF. As a result of high noise level, residents in the Delhi Urban Area are
severely affected by traffic noise. The concentration of RSPM and SPM is more
than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) impacting the health of
Delhi residents.

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REFERENCES

1. Delhi Statistical Handbook 2011, Directorate of Economics & Statistics

Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, www.des.delhi.gov.in
2. Draft Revised Regional Plan for National Capital Region 2021, Ministry of
Urban Development, Government of India, 2013
3. M/s RITES (2008), Transport Demand Forecast Study and Development of an
Integrated Road cum Multi-modal Public Transport Network for NCT of Delhi
Transport Department, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi.
4. Master Plan for Delhi-2021 (2007), Delhi Development Authority, VIBA Press
Pvt. Ltd.
5. Website 1: http://dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in/noise-40-location.html, Delhi Pollution
Control Committee-DPCC
6. Website 2: http://www.dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in/Air40.html, Delhi Pollution Control
Committee-DPCC

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