IMPACT OF STREET VENDORS ON URBAN MOBILITY: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ANOOPSHAHAR ROAD, ALIGARH

Abstract

Urban spaces are increasingly shaped by the interaction between formal and informal economic activities, with street vendors and roadside commercial activities taking a central role in the urban landscape. Street vending is essential to urban economies in developing countries like India, where it provides livelihoods for the urban poor. However, regardless of its economic and social significance, street vendors often pose various issues and challenges to urban mobility and sustainability, contributing to congestion, obstructing pedestrian pathways, no free pedestrian movement, hindering traffic flow, and conflicting with transport infrastructure. In this research paper, the role of street vendors and their impact on urban mobility are studied along Anoopshahar Road, Aligarh. Data is collected and assessed based on certain parameters, analyzing effects on mobility and overall urban dynamics to generate possible solutions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, observational studies, and case studies across multiple urban settings, this research tries to provide a framework with the help of planning strategies and policy recommendations to strike a balance between the benefits of street vending and roadside commercial activities with the imperative of including street vending activities in efficient and safe urban environment.