Urban Freight Movement and Its Impact on Traffic Flow Pattern in Developing Countries

Abstract

Surat is one of the prime cities for the manufacturing of textile products in the country, having 40% of the man-made fabric production in the country. The city produces 30 million meters of raw fabric and 25 million meters of processed fabric daily. Textile industry in the city has witnessed tremendous growth in the last decade, which has led to much transportation related changes in the city. The textile industry of Surat has different segments such as weaving unit, processing unit, value addition and trading hub for carrying out various processes. The segments are located as clusters or pockets in different parts of the city or urban area. Due to the dis-integrated nature of the industry here, it produces a lot of internal goods movement. The present study is focused on analyzing the characteristics of textile fright trip generated in the city due to the initial unit of textile industry i.e. weaving unit. Stated preference survey was conducted for 122 weaving units located in different parts of the city. Multi-linear Regression model for trip generation and quantity of cloth produced is developed for estimation of textile freight trips and quantum of production. This study will definitely help the planner to identify the strategic location of the textile industry and allied supporting industry. This study further helps in understanding the trip generation and attraction in the city which affects on routine traffic as well.