PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR VULNERABLE ROAD USERS IN BHOPAL CITY: A BLACKSPOT CASE STUDY

Abstract

This thesis develops a planning framework for pedestrian infrastructure targeting Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) – children, elderly, and disabled persons – at five critical black spots in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The study focuses on: 11 Mile Misrod (high-speed bypass), Platinum Plaza (signal-defunct intersection with geometric defect), Ratnagiri T-Point (encroached junction), Ashima Mall Crossing (forced jaywalking due to unbroken median), and Govindpura ISBT (underutilised Foot Over Bridge due to desire-line mismatch). A convergent mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative analysis (accident data from BSCDCL/Bhopal Traffic Police, 2023-2025; pedestrian volume counts; IRC compliance audit across seven parameters) with qualitative methods (VRU perception survey, N=150; photographic documentation; GIS-based land use mapping with 500 m buffers). The audit revealed systemic non- compliance: average IRC compliance 11%, zero tactile paving, zero functional pedestrian signals, zero speed control measures. PLOS (Pedestrian Level of Service) grades range from F (11 Mile, Platinum Plaza, Ratnagiri) to E (Ashima Mall, Govindpura ISBT). A weighted priority matrix (accident severity + infrastructure gap + land use vulnerability + PLOS grade) ranked Platinum Plaza as highest urgency (score 20/20), followed by 11 Mile Misrod and Govindpura ISBT (17/20). Based on the evidence, the thesis proposes phased, IRC-compliant, context-sensitive design interventions across four phases: Phase 1 (0-3 months) – emergency signal restoration, retroreflective zebra markings, temporary lighting, guardrails; Phase 2 (3-12 months) – footpath construction/widening, tactile paving, kerb ramps, refuge islands; Phase 3 (1-3 years) – geometric redesign, raised crossings, school zone calming, Leading Pedestrian Intervals; Phase 4 (3-5 years) – smart signal integration, grade separation feasibility, accessible FOB upgrades. Expected outcomes include 40-70% fatality reduction, PLOS improvement to C-D grades, and elimination of forced jaywalking. The study contributes the first multi-site, VRU-centred, IRC-benchmarked black spot analysis for Bhopal, with replicable methodology for other tier-2 Indian cities.