Chennai, one of India’s most populous cities, is facing an escalating crisis due to the surge in personal vehicle usage, which has become a significant contributor to traffic congestion and parking woes. The vehicle population in the city has grown at an alarming rate, with over 54 lakh vehicles now clogging city roads, contributing to gridlocks and delays. As of April 2024, the state’s total vehicle population has crossed 3.7 crore, with two-wheelers and cars constituting a large portion of the congestion.
Over the last 50 years, Chennai has witnessed an exponential rise in the number of personal vehicles, especially in the last decade. The impact has been dramatic, with average vehicle speeds significantly reduced due to the overcrowded roads. In the 1970s, two-wheelers accounted for just 2% of the city’s transportation system, while buses dominated the scene with a 42% share. Fast forward to 2023, and two-wheelers now make up 34% of road traffic, while buses have dwindled to just 16%. This rapid shift towards personal vehicles, coupled with inadequate public transport infrastructure, is exacerbating the city’s mobility issues.
Increased vehicle numbers are not just causing traffic jams but also encroaching upon public spaces. Residential and commercial properties are increasingly putting up ‘No Parking’ signs, barricades, and other obstructions on public roads, creating an additional layer of inconvenience for pedestrians and motorists. Police often receive complaints regarding disputes over parking spaces, highlighting the deep-rooted issues of inadequate parking solutions in a city with over 1.5 crore residents.
The key to alleviating this crisis, experts suggest, lies in expanding and promoting public transport. With buses and suburban trains failing to meet demand, urban planners call for a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation. Introducing congestion pricing, restricting parking, and learning from global models such as Singapore’s Vehicle Quota System could be a step towards reducing the strain on Chennai’s roads and improving air quality. In the face of these mounting challenges, public transport remains the most viable and sustainable solution to Chennai’s traffic woes.
