THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Traffic congestion is a critical issue impacting urban areas worldwide, including Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. A large number of vehicles are using Kathmandu's roadways as a result of urbanization and population increase, which is putting stress on the infrastructure and creating hotspots for traffic congestion. Traffic congestion affects commuters, companies, and the environment with major economic consequences. The goal of this study is to conduct a thorough analysis of the traffic congestion cost on the New Baneshwor to Old Baneshwor road section. Different approaches were used to evaluate the direct and indirect costs associated with congestion. Opportunity costs and vehicle operating costs were examples of direct costs that cause monetary losses for commuters. Degradation of the environment and higher emissions were examples of indirect costs that impact society more broadly. Data collection involves both primary and secondary sources, including the value of travel time, traffic volume data, delay time, vehicle occupancy, fuel consumption quantity, fuel usage proportion, PCU factors, emission factors, cost per kg of pollutants, and fuel cost. This study examines the monetary estimates of the costs associated with traffic congestion, which result in longer travel times, more fuel consumption, and greater pollution. Opportunity cost, vehicle operating cost and emission cost were calculated for 7 different modes of vehicles available from New Baneshwor intersection to Old Baneshwor intersection. Total opportunity cost was calculated to be NRs 123,212.81, with the car having the highest opportunity cost followed by motorcycle/scooter. Vehicle operating cost and emission cost exist only for six modes of vehicle using fuel. Tempos were operated by electricity in the study area, so VOC, and EC did not exist for tempos. Total VOC was calculated to be NRs 5,691.55 per km, total wear and tear cost was calculated to be NRs 569.11, and total EC was calculated to be NRs 191,547.11. The total monetized value of congestion cost results in NRs 321,020.58. This study aims to provide relevant information regarding the urgent need to address traffic congestion on the New Baneshwor to Old Baneshwor road section to policymakers, urban planners, and transportation authorities.

Keywords

Traffic congestion cost, Value of travel time, Opportunity costs, Vehicle operating costs, Emission costs