Developing a Smart and Sustainable Transportation Plan for a Large-Sized City: An Approach to Smart City Modeling

Abstract

Rapid and haphazard city growth in developing countries like India leads to urban sprawl, traffic congestion, pollution, etc., which increases transportation externalities of the city. In case of a smart city, the uses of information technology are high than the old cities or any other newly developed cities. Govt. of India, has taken the decision to develop or redevelop those cities in a sustainable way. Kolkata is one of the largest cities in the eastern part of India. The demographic growth rate of Kolkata city is relatively higher than the other cities in India. The objective of this paper is to scrutinize the transport and communication scenarios of Kolkata city and what needs to be done to make Kolkata city more sustainable and smart in transport. This study reveals that most of the people prefer private taxi and bus services during their trips. Kolkata city is now facing various transportation problems like traffic congestion, illegal trafficking, unscientific construction of roads, blocked footpath by street vendors, etc. This study suggests the needs of Information and Communication Technology System (ICT), Special Traffic Management System (STMS), Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), etc. This type of study will throw new light on urban sustainability studies, smart city studies, etc. The probable remedies used in this study to develop a smart and sustainable transportation plan will help the Govt. officials, planners, and decision-makers to take decisions for the sustainable planning and management of the area.