Online published on 4 March, 2016.
The rising world population and consequent growth in the population of developing nation necessitate the development of a comprehensive urban transport network. India is no exception. Especially in the case of Kolkata the growth in the number of vehicles, diversified modes of transport coupled with the problem of narrow road space contribute towards traffic snarls during peak hours. Congestion tax may be a very suitable policy option but may not be practically feasible in the context of Kolkata. Whilst the congestion tax is the most effective, imposing differential congestion taxes based on area and time of day, would be difficult to implement. There is an urgent need for other policy options to be substituted or to be used along with congestion tax for tackling congestion in Kolkata.
