Simulation-Based Modeling of Urban Traffic Capacity Flow Under Varying Conditions: A Case Study of Odisha

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and increasing vehicle ownership have intensified congestion across major cities in Odisha, resulting in reduced traffic efficiency, longer travel times, and declining environmental quality. This study develops a comprehensive simulation-based framework to analyze capacity flow and evaluate traffic performance under varying operating conditions in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Rourkela. Classified traffic volumes, signal timings, and geometric attributes were collected through field surveys and integrated with GIS-based mapping to construct an accurate network model. Four scenarios were developed in VISSIM—base conditions, peak hour load, seasonal variation, and optimized infrastructure—to assess system behavior and identify critical bottlenecks. Results show significant disparities across nodes, with peak-hour delays and high volume-to-capacity ratios indicating oversaturated conditions at major intersections. Seasonal variations further amplify congestion due to increased pedestrian activity and roadside friction. The optimized scenario demonstrates substantial improvements, including a 23.7% reduction in travel time, 34.1% decrease in delay, and 20% increase in network throughput, supported by adaptive signal control and geometric enhancements. Model validation using observed versus simulated flows yielded strong accuracy (R² = 0.91–0.95). The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners, emphasizing data-driven strategies to enhance mobility and resilience in Odisha’s rapidly evolving urban corridors.