Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
India’s traffic problem has become one of the most pressing urban challenges in the 21st century. With rapid urbanisation, rising disposable incomes and increased automobile ownership, the country’s metropolitan and even tier-2 cities are witnessing chronic traffic congestion. According to the TomTom Traffic Index, cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi consistently rank among the most congested cities globally. The situation is exacerbated by inadequate public transportation, poorly maintained roads and outdated traffic management systems.
Another significant contributor to the problem is the lack of urban planning that prioritises pedestrian mobility, non-motorised transport and intelligent traffic systems. In many areas, encroachments, unregulated parking and insufficient road signage further complicate traffic flow. As a result, commuting times have surged, air quality has deteriorated and productivity levels have dropped due to stress and lost man-hours.
The government has initiated multiple schemes such as Smart Cities Mission and Urban Mobility Plans to mitigate these concerns. Metro rail projects, dedicated bicycle lanes and traffic-signal synchronisation are some of the measures being adopted. Additionally, emerging technologies like AI-based traffic cameras, GPS-enabled traffic flow analytics and electric vehicle infrastructure are being piloted in select regions.
However, experts argue that unless behavioural changes accompany infrastructural reforms— like adherence to traffic rules, reduced reliance on private vehicles and promotion of carpooling —no lasting change can occur. Public awareness, stringent implementation of laws and coordinated urban development are essential for sustainable mobility.
The challenge of managing traffic in India is not merely logistical but social and environmental. Addressing it requires a multi-stakeholder approach that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and urban livability.