Alternate terminal location planning using accessibility analysis for improved pilgrim movement

Abstract

Integration of temporary pilgrim facilities with their mobility plan in mega-religious events is a regulatory concern. Existing infrastructures such as traffic terminals operate beyond their designed capacities. Temporary terminals are planned at town peripheries to restrict traffic entry. Intra-city traffic control further leads to longer walking distances for pilgrims. This study aims to develop a feasible alternative terminal location plan, considering travel time in the context of Ratha Yatra; a mega-event celebrated in the historical town of Puri, India. After a primary survey of pilgrims and study of the city road network, an accessibility analysis was performed to develop an alternate proposal. The proposed routes require a considerably lesser travel time. A similar analysis may be adopted in comparable cases.

Keywords:

• Pilgrim satisfaction
• walking distance
• facility planning
• service area
• travel time

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable and constructive suggestions that contributed greatly towards the improvement of the manuscript, to help it reach the present form. They would also like to thank the editors for their generous support during the entire review process.