Which Indian city has the best roads?

Smooth Sailing: Exploring India’s Best Roads

The quality of a city’s roads significantly impacts its residents’ daily lives, affecting everything from commute times to economic activity. While India’s road infrastructure has seen substantial improvements in recent years, certain cities stand out for their superior road networks. This article examines two prime examples: Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar, highlighting the factors that contribute to their smoother traffic flow and overall better driving experience.

Chandigarh, known for its meticulous urban planning, often tops the list when discussing India’s best roads. Its grid-like layout, conceived by Le Corbusier, facilitates efficient navigation and minimizes congestion. Wide, well-maintained roads, coupled with ample green spaces, contribute to a pleasant and less stressful driving experience. The city’s commitment to maintaining these high standards has resulted in a road network that serves as a model for others. Furthermore, Chandigarh’s pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and dedicated cycle tracks complement its road network, fostering a multi-modal transportation system that reduces reliance on private vehicles.

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, offers another compelling example of a city prioritizing well-planned roads. While not as widely recognized as Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar has made significant strides in developing a well-organized and efficient road network. The city has invested in widening existing roads, constructing flyovers and underpasses, and implementing intelligent traffic management systems. These efforts have resulted in comparatively less congestion than many other prominent Indian cities, even during peak hours. Bhubaneswar also benefits from its relatively lower population density compared to metropolises like Mumbai or Delhi, which further contributes to smoother traffic flow.

While both cities excel in road infrastructure, their approaches differ slightly. Chandigarh’s success stems from its initial meticulous planning and consistent upkeep, while Bhubaneswar demonstrates how strategic investments and ongoing development can transform a city’s transportation landscape. Both cities, however, showcase the crucial role of urban planning principles that prioritize efficient and sustainable transportation infrastructure. By focusing on well-designed roads, pedestrian walkways, and alternative modes of transport, these cities provide valuable lessons for other urban centers in India striving to improve their road networks and overall quality of life for their citizens. The focus on efficient transportation not only eases daily commutes but also plays a vital role in attracting investment and fostering economic growth, making these cities examples to emulate as India continues to develop its infrastructure.