Traffic Volume of Kangra - Shimla National Highway (NH 103) in Himachal Pradesh - A Case Study

Traffic engineering uses engineering methods and techniques to achieve the safe and time efficient movement of people and goods on roadways. The safe and time efficient movement of the people and goods is dependent on Traffic flow, which is directly connected to the traffic characteristics. The three main parameters of a traffic flow are volume, speed and density. In the absence of effective planning and traffic management of the city, the current road infrastructure cannot cater the future needs of the city. Pedestrian and vehicle volumes have increased significantly in the last decade due to change in the economics of the middle-class families. The current work investigated traffic characteristics in the Kangra- Shimla National Highway at one selected priority points. In this work emphasis was given on traffic volume and the analysis was carried out through primary traffic flow surveys of Kangra- Shimla National Highway for better understanding of the present status of traffic flow at the junction. Calculation of Passenger Car Units (PCU’s) for different vehicle types was provided in the book. With the help of the data collection, an attempt had been made to understand the traffic patterns during different time periods. Traffic control at that junction is also dependent on the traffic flow characteristics. Hence the results from the present study are helpful in controlling the traffic at the intersection and also in suggesting some measures to improve the traffic safety in the region. Remedial measures such as widening the road, changing 2-lane to 4-lane or by providing more public transport can be recommended based on the outcomes of the work.