The Challenges of Overpopulation in Thimphu City and the Role of Artificial Intelligence

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Cities around the world are distressed by the population boom and Thimphu city too faces the same fate despite its small size. The population is anticipated to increase in cities across the globe and Thimphu city will be not an exception. According to the (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.) population prediction, “Around 2.5 billion more people will be living in the cities by 2050.” The case is not different in Thimphu City. 114,551 people were living in Thimphu city as per the record of the 2017 population and national housing census (National Statistics Bureau, 2018, pp.10). Furthermore, the population is projected to increase by 10150,595 in 2027 as per the population projection study done by (Chophel, 2019, pp. 122). As vehicle numbers continue to increase with increasing populations; the issues of overpopulation will continue to rise hence increasing the traffic pressure. This essay will examine the traffic congestion caused due to increased population and suggest a solution by digitizing road transport to minimize traffic jams.

The increased population in Thimphu has led to a rise in vehicle numbers leading to traffic congestion. Moreover, the absence of other alternative transportation than road transport in Thimphu city and insufficient parking space has accelerated the problems of traffic congestion. As of September 2021, Thimphu City had 62,850 registered vehicles which is equal to one vehicle for every two people (Bhutan Observer, 2022). Furthermore, the study conducted by (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific, n.d, pp. 9) reported that in Thimphu alone, 165 vehicles ply every one kilometre of road in a day. The above studies signify not only the rise in the number of vehicles but also symbolize the impacts it has had on the city's only transport service.

The number of automobiles cannot be reduced however the problems can be managed provided adequate measures are put in place. The city needs more investment in public transport to make it more affordable, accessible, reliable, and efficient through the automation of road traffic and city bus services by using Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and Global Transport System (GPS). The study conducted by Goldsmith (2021), underscores the successful usage of the Intelligent Transport System in Australia and throughout the world for regulating traffic efficiently and recommended its reliability to regulate traffic congestion in ever increasing population and vehicles in the cities. Therefore, Artificial Intelligence can be used to minimize traffic issues.

In conclusion, even though traffic congestion is obvious with the rise in city population and vehicle numbers, its problems are manageable. Thimphu City needs to leverage Artificial Intelligence tools to manage traffic congestion for a better life.  

 

 References

 Bhutan Observer. (2022, August 2). Thimphu and its traffic woes. Retrieved from https://businessbhutan.bt/thimphu-and-its-traffic-woes/  

Chophel, S. (2019). Population and migration in Thimphu Thromde. Journal of Bhutan Studies, 41, 122. Retrieved from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://himalaya.socanth.cam.ac.uk/collections/journals/jbs/pdf/JBS_41_05.pdf

 Goldsmith, M. (2021, February 22). Intelligent transport systems: a revolution on our roads. Retrieved May 18, 2023, from https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2021/02/22/intelligent-transport-systems-a-revolution-on-our-roads/

Japan International Cooperation Agency (2020, May). Preparatory survey on the project for improving solid waste management in Bhutan. Retrieved May 17, 2023, from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12359352_01.pdf

National Statistics Bureau. (2018). 2017 population & housing census of Bhutan. Thimphu: National Statistics Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://platform.who.int/docs/default-source/mca-documents/policy-documents/report/BTN-CC-31-01-REPORT-2013-eng-PHCB2017-national.pdf

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, U. N. (n.d.). Retrieved 05 13, 2023, from https://www.un.org/en/desa/around-25-billion-more-people-will-be-living-cities-2050-projects-new-un-reportf

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Asia Pacific. (n.d.). Suti report for Thimphu city. Retrieved from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Thimphu.pdf

 

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