Junction Improvement in the City of Kalaburagi – A Case Study

Abstract: Urban traffic congestion is a growing issue in rapidly developing cities, leading to delays, safety risks, and environmental degradation. This study focuses on improving traffic flow and safety at key junctions in Kalaburagi, a major city in North Karnataka, India. The road network in Kalaburagi faces significant congestion due to increasing population and vehicle numbers, particularly at junctions, where poor design and outdated signal timings worsen traffic delays. Traffic surveys were conducted to assess existing road conditions, vehicle movement patterns, and peak-hour delays. Comprehensive inventory, speed, and delay studies were carried out on 30 roads within the Outer Ring Road, with a detailed analysis of four key routes: Humanabad Road, Sedam Road, New Jewargi Road, and Aland Road. The findings revealed that two-wheelers and autorickshaws dominated the traffic flow, accounting for more than half of the total daily vehicle count. While goods vehicles also used these roads, their impact on overall congestion remained moderate.
The study identified poor junction design, inefficient signal timings, and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure as major contributors to traffic delays and safety risks. Based on these findings, the study proposed targeted solutions, including optimizing traffic signal timings, redesigning junctions to handle growing traffic volumes, and introducing off-street parking to ease roadside congestion. Improvements in pedestrian facilities were recommended to improve safety. The study also emphasized the role of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in managing real-time traffic and adapting signal timings for smoother flow. These improvements aimed to reduce congestion and enhance safety at critical junctions, ultimately improving the overall functionality of the road network in Kalaburagi. The findings of this research can serve as a reference for medium-sized cities facing similar urban traffic challenges due to rapid development.