Maths model to aid town masterplans

Kozhikode: Kerala state town and country planning department in association with Centre for Transportation Studies, National Institute of Technology – Kozhikode (NIT-C) has developed a unique mathematical model that helps predict the travel behaviour of the people, especially the trip production characteristics of a settlement using a series of math equations.

The ‘Trip Generation Model’ is expected to benefit the town planning offices and civic bodies while preparing master plans and traffic and transportation studies.
Authorities say this is India's first trip generation manual.

Trip generation details of any local self-government institution in Kerala can be estimated using the model by applying a suitable model of settlement.

“It is a record that gives detailed information regarding the travel pattern of the area. The influence of various settlement characteristics on the trips made can be understood from the manual. Many of the developed countries have already prepared their manuals.

 “In India, uncountable trip generation studies have been carried out, but nowhere a trip generation manual has been prepared. In this context, we proposed a project for preparing such a manual for Kerala under research and development programme of the department,” said regional town planner K. V. Abdul Malik.

“The manual would immensely help the authorities to better deal with traffic issues and planning for better transportation facilities,” he added.

The model is developed based on an elaborate study in Kozhikode Municipal Corporation and nearby 31 urban and rural civic bodies.

Data collection was through home interview survey method by the Kozhikode district office of the department, which is presently giving training for the staff as well as the students of NIT-Centre for Transportation Studies on how to use the model for studies as well for assessments.