Pioneering insight into traffic engineering

Thiruvananthapuram: Dr N. S. Srinivasan, the architect of the Capital Road Improvement Programme and widely considered to be the father of traffic engineering in the country, has come out with “a summary report” of his nearly five decade work in the field of research work in transport planning.

Besides giving an overview of the traffic situation in the entire country, the book Taking the High Road – Research in Transport in Developing Economies reveals the radical insights offered into the traffic scenario in the state two or three decades ago.

It was in a study conducted by Dr Srinivasan in 1983 that the term “urbanized rural areas” was popularised and the importance of waterways emphasised.

“The waterways play an important role in the economic uplift of these areas by providing employment for a large population, transport connections, better irrigation, fish culture and tourism,” the study had then said. It was Dr Srinivasan’s suggestion that led to the widening of the 69-km Palakkad stretch of NH 47 to four lanes.

He had mooted the concept of monorail as a long-term and economical solution to the transportation problems of medium-sized cities.

“Considering the pattern and volume of traffic in Thiruvananthapuram, it was suggested that the arterial corridor connecting Kazhakuttam, Ulloor, M G Road, Karamana and Balaramapuram covering a total distance of 28 kms may be chosen for the introduction of monorail,” Dr Srinivasan writes.

He has done detailed studies on the plight of pedestrians in various parts of the country. Referring to a study conducted in Sabarimala he said: “During Makaravilakku day about 10 lakh people gather in the surrounding areas where arrangements are grossly inadequate.

For example, at the footway bridge across Pampa river, a total of 14,544 persons crossed within two hours in one direction.” Way back in 1986 he had warned that such a situation could explode any time causing considerable loss of life.  

Dr Srinivasan has a long association with the state. He was the founder director of NATPAC and was its executive director from 1976 to 1988.