Traffic Growth, Air Pollution, and Urban Policy Implications: A Data-Driven Urban Framework from an Indian Megacity

This study examines traffic congestion, air quality, and private vehicle growth in Gurugram, Haryana, India — a rapidly urbanising city within the Delhi NCR. Using secondary datasets from Kaggle (air quality, 2024) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (transport statistics, 2001–2020), the study finds that average PM₁₀ concentrations reached 186 µg/m³ — nearly four times the WHO guideline — peaking during winter months and declining during the monsoon season. At the national level, two-wheelers and cars grew at a CAGR of ~10% between 2010 and 2020, while buses grew at only ~4%, reflecting deep underinvestment in public transport. Registered vehicles per 100 km of road increased by 215% over the study period, far outpacing road network expansion. The study highlights the urgent need for integrated traffic demand management, expanded public transportation, and regulatory frameworks addressing non-exhaust emissions such as tyre wear particles, offering policy-relevant insights applicable to other rapidly growing Indian cities.