Abstract:
In Pakistan, increasing traffic has resulted in a construction of large number of highways recently, which are functional on the toll tax collected by toll booths run by multifarious operating agencies. Public are much attracted towards motorways due to hassle free and smooth travelling facility which is a main source of increased arrival rate. This uncontrolled growth in the arrival rate is resulting in the uncontrolled congestion on the toll plazas and is causing huge delays, as the time is passing. Thus, this problems of excessive delays has brought our attention to M-1 Islamabad Interchange struck with heavy traffic congestion. The waiting time for drivers and passengers becomes excruciating and frustrating, often resulting in fatal losses to people in emergency. The objective of our study is to analyse the current situation, of traffic congestion and related delays, at M-1 Islamabad Interchange toll plaza using queuing theory and Vissim Simulations and suggest possible solutions to imrove efficiency of interchange, which will have a direct impact on decrement of waiting time and the added cost incurred on users in shape of higher fuel consumption. This study has been carried out in various phases, i.e. problem identification, data collection, data analysis and results of queuing theory and Vissim simulations at a selected Toll Plaza of M-1 Islamabad Interchange. The data analysis in the study helps to find out the current operational effectiveness of the Toll Plaza through parameters like, Arrival Rate, Service Rate and Number of toll booths. Finally, possible solutions have been put forward which have been duly analysed through Vissim Software Simulations and can be recommended and implemented on various Toll Plazas in the country
