Evaluating Traffic Demand for the Proposed Coastal Highway in Kerala: Fid-Bau Portal

Evaluating Traffic Demand for the Proposed Coastal Highway in Kerala

Chandran, Arun / Anish Kini, B. / Goutham, M. N. / Sanjana, N. / Muhammed, Althaf J.

This paper highlights the emphasis on the comprehensive development of a coastal highway spanning Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts, covering a distance of 185 km from Pozhiyur in the south to Chellanam in the north. Positioned as an alternative to National Highway 66 (NH 66), the study focuses on the potential redirection of traffic from NH 66 to the proposed coastal highway, aiming to determine the anticipated total traffic volume on the coastal route. The methodology includes conducting categorized traffic volume evaluations at crucial intersections and mid-blocks along the proposed coastal highway. Concurrently, an Origin and Destination survey is carried out at seven points along NH 66 for both passenger and goods vehicles, spanning a 24-h period. The gathered travel information encompasses various details, such as trip origin, destination, occupancy, trip purpose, occupation, and the willingness to shift to the coastal highway. Furthermore, a survey on speed and delays is implemented to determine journey speeds along the proposed coastal highway. The study utilizes Cost Ratio factors and Diversion equations in accordance with IRC: 108-2015 to ascertain the percentage of each vehicle class currently using NH 66 that is likely to be redirected to the proposed coastal highway upon its commencement. The Average Daily Traffic, calculated as the sum of Existing Traffic, Diverted Traffic, and Induced Traffic, is obtained for the base year and projected based on recommended growth rates for the most plausible scenario. The conclusions suggest that the proposed coastal highway can effectively function as a two-lane road with a LOS B until the year 2031. Beyond this timeframe, the recommendation is to upgrade the road to a four-lane configuration while maintaining LOS B. This proposes a phased development strategy, aligning with projected traffic demands in the foreseeable future.