  Transport demand in most Indian cities has increased substantially, due to increases in population as a result of both natural increase and migration from rural areas and smaller towns. Availability of motorized transport increases in household income, and increases in commercial and industrial activities have further added to transport demand. In many cases, demand has outstripped road capacity. Greater congestion and delays are widespread in Indian cities and indicate the seriousness of transport problems. A high level of pollution is another undesirable feature of overloaded streets. The transport crisis also takes a human toll. Statistics indicate that track accidents are a primary cause of accidental deaths in Indian cities. The main reasons for these problems are the prevailing imbalance in modal split, inadequate transport infrastructure, and its sub optimal use. Public transport systems have not been able to keep pace with the rapid and substantial increases in demand over the past few decades. Bus services in particular have deteriorated, and their relative output has been further reduced as passengers have turned to personalized modes and intermediate public transport. The mode of Transport -The existing airport in the east of Raipur city at Mana is serving the city. Though, the air traffic at present is not sufficient but in years to come it will increase due to economic prosperity. It is proposed to reserve additional land for expansion of Airport. Railway station located on main railway line i.e. Bombay- Howrah serves the needs of the city as well surrounding region. Hence present railway station is proposed to be equipped with additional facilities and amenities. Similarly stations falling within planning area i.e Sarona and Urkura are proposed to be developing as per future requirement. A new station at Shankar Nagar is proposed for extension areas. Number of roads in the city is 54 in 2001 and 21 are proposed roads in 2005 Study of present status of traffic reveals that total number of mechanized vehicles has increased many folds. Cycle rickshaw a predominant mode of passenger transport plays an important role in city traffic. Due to lack of public transport system in the city the only means for transport of passenger traffic is cycle rickshaw. The number of Cycle Rickshaw has increased from 5871 in 1990 to 6436 in 1995. Intermixing of fast and slow moving vehicles on city road is a major problem for safe and efficient traffic. Personised transport- Bicycle that is a common men’s transport in city other mechanized mode of transport are cars, scooters and mopeds. Despite ongoing urbanization, the demand for bicycle in Chhattishgarh is the highest in the country. Of every 100 people, 98 own a cycle as against the national average where only eight persons out of every 100 own a bicycle. Public transport- No efficient public transport system is functioning in the city. Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation has only three city buses on the following route University, Mahadeoghat and Mana. Due to lack of mass transport system, resident of the city are facing problem to reach work centers and newly developed colonies. A well-organized mass road transport system is therefore needed. About 820-hectare area was allotted for transportation purpose in 1976 out of which 450 hect. has been developed during 1976-1991. Thus, transportation proposals are carried out to the tune of 54.87 percent. The main development of Regional Bus station and Bus deport, Over- Bridge at Telgani Naka, city bus terminal centres, Ring Road, Transport Nagar at G.E. Road near Oswal Re-rolling Mill. Major Roads proposed in the RDP 1991 could not developed except few roads .The poor implementation status of major roads has resulted in traffic circulation problem. The central area of Raipur is characterized by narrow and over crowded street sand poor accessibility. In order to improve accessibility to the central area and convenient circulation RDP 1991 envisaged inner ring road, link road between different commercial and residential areas, Pedestrian Park, road widening and parking places etc. But the level of implementation of circulation is poor. It is due to tedious implementation problems and financial constraints. The condition of central area roads are deteriorating day by day due to influx of various commercial activities along the roads. It has resulted encroachments on road space by thellas, gummites, garbage’s, footpath sleepers that reduce the available width of the roads. Hence .a well-organized mass road transport system is needed for the city. |