Flyovers not a solution for traffic: study

The State Highways (Metro Wing) initiatives to plan and construct flyovers in many parts of the city to reduce the traffic congestion, considering the rapid increase in the number of vehicles plying in the city, has drawn flak from civic groups. A study conducted by Chennai’s Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) and its ally Chennai City Connect expresses dissatisfaction over such a move. The study recommends removing encroachments for widening lanes on the roads and also for implementing Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), instead of constructing flyovers.

“It is a fact that more road space attracts more traffic and any attempt to fulfill the insatiable demand for vehicles-oriented infrastructure-flyovers-is futile, as they do not solve the city’s traffic problems. Firstly, the only solution is better public transport along with stringent measures to control personal motor vehicle use,” the study concluded. 

Since the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is operating over 4,000 fleet in the city and suburbs and they eat up more road space than other vehicles, the study also recommended Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), wherein there will be separate lanes only for MTC buses.

BRTS not only eases traffic, but reduces the accidents as it has separate lanes for pedestrians, buses, and other motorists. However, the solution does not lie in constructing BRTS corridors only. If the bus operation is poor, it may fail, the study observes. Such BRT systems, which are being developed in several parts of the world including Delhi, may end the traffic problems in Chennai, according to the study. It further states as far as Chennai City is concerned, there are no consistent lanes on the arterial roads. “If there are consistent lanes on the road, there will be no traffic jam and there is no need for constructing flyovers,” say participants in the study. 

Aswathy Dilip, Programme Manager, ITDP, Chennai, feels,“Flyovers, constructed at a cost running crores of rupees play like a temporary solution for reducing traffic problems. We need to have a comprehensive public transport system. In the long-run, such flyovers will remain as hurdles for motorists, as the number of vehicles will be on the rise.”

The study recommends that officials segregate long and short routes and flyovers so that may be constructed covering longer distance cutting down travelling time. By constructing flyovers, traffic congestion is being merely shifted from one place to another place. Currently, in most countries, elevated roads are now being deconstructed. Also, pollution levels in the vicinity of these flyovers increases and the land value falls. People living in these areas also become vulnerable to various health-related problems. 

Daniel Robinson, Project Manager, Chennai City Connect, who was part of the study says, “In Chennai, flyovers are either being constructed or proposed at almost all interjections and this is not the solution. For instance, the T Nagar flyover, which draws more volume of vehicles, does not serve the purpose properly, as vehicles pile up after descending the flyover (near signal).” So, there should be a proper plan before constructing flyovers, he adds.

MG Devasahayam, an urban development expert and former civil servant, said, “Though it is difficult to widen the road, authorities should apply corrective measures to restore the existing roads by removing encroachments. In such a condition, there will be free traffic flow and there is no necessity for flyovers.” Currently, the flyovers witness heavy traffic congestion and constructing more flyovers, spending crores of rupees, will only add to the traffic snarls, he adds. 

A senior engineer, State Highways (Metro Wing), says, “We undertake a thorough study and plan well before constructing flyovers and these flyovers play a vital role in reducing travel time.” He also feels that all the intersections need a flyover. Sources say proposals to construct more number of flyovers in the coming days are on the anvil.