The rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increase in vehicular traffic in Central Asia over recent decades have led to significant air pollution issues. The rise in industrial activities, expansion of urban areas, and growing transportation infrastructure have all contributed to the deterioration of air quality in the region. The effects of vehicle emission control programs (VECPs) on the environment have drawn more attention to changes in air pollutants and CO2 emissions (Xu & Qin, 2023; Mukhitdinov et al., 2024). Vehicle Emission Control Plans (VECPs) are critical in mitigating the environmental impacts of transportation by targeting reductions in air pollutants and CO2 emissions. These plans typically involve regulations and technological advancements aimed at improving the efficiency of vehicles and reducing their emissions.
Because there are so many cars on the road today, transportation contributes significantly to air pollution in many nations, including India. As the population grew, so did the number of vehicles, which raised the level of vehicular pollution. Absolutely, vehicular emissions play a crucial role in exacerbating air pollution and contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with significant implications for public health and the environment. The impacts are profound, affecting millions of lives and encompassing a range of health problems such as mortality and morbidity, child health, interference in remote sensing data and air quality monitoring (Li et al., 2022). The health issues are particularly severe among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. Air pollution poses serious risks to children, leading to respiratory problems, impaired lung development, and other health complications. Infants, children, and adolescents, are indeed more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollutants compared to adults such as developing organs, higher metabolic rate, immature immune systems, outdoor activity, neurological effects, etc. (Flagan and Seinfeld, 2012). Youngsters, with their developing organs and higher intake of air relative to their body weight, are indeed more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollutants. Protecting children from air pollution requires concerted efforts from governments, communities, and individuals to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and create healthier environments for future generations. Research has also been done with population weighted pollution indexes (Ivy et al., 2008). There are restrictions, nevertheless, in cases where remote sensing data does not provide air pollution risk assessments based on several pollutants. Prior research solely addressed the concerns associated with air pollution, leaving out the integrative analysis of vulnerabilities and risks.
Vehicular emissions are a primary source of air pollution, contributing significantly to various harmful pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Ozone (O3), Particulate Matter (PM10), and Lead (Andrade et al., 2024). Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can have harmful health effects by reducing the amount of oxygen transported in the bloodstream to critical parts of the body. Preventing CO exposure through proper ventilation, maintenance of combustion appliances, and awareness of safety practices is essential to protect public health and safety. From 1990 to the present, PM10 and NO2 have become major concerns due to their adverse health effects, environmental impact, and increasing concentrations in urban areas. Addressing these pollutants requires concerted efforts from governments, industries, and communities to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and protect public health. In addition to increasing the risk of respiratory infections and irritating human respiratory tract airways, NO2 also plays a role in the creation of fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone. SO2 can cause respiratory problems in humans and contribute to the formation of acid rain, which can harm ecosystems and man-made structures. Addressing SO2 emissions requires comprehensive strategies to reduce pollution from various sources and mitigate the adverse impacts on human health and the environment (Jion et al., 2023). In summary, ground-level ozone is a significant component of smog and can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular effects, and environmental damage. Addressing ground-level ozone pollution requires comprehensive strategies to reduce emissions of precursor pollutants and mitigate the adverse impacts on human health and the environment. VOCs react with NOx to form ozone, contributing to smog formation. Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, particularly in children, including cognitive impairment and developmental delays.
The significant traffic density along Asian Highway 47 (AH47) in Indore, India, presents major vehicular emissions and air pollution challenges, particularly at heavily used intersections such as High Vehicle Registration Rate, Traffic Composition and Intensity, Vehicular Emissions, Public Interest Litigation (PIL) (Singh et al., 2023). Asian Highway 47, which begins in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and travels via Banglore to Matara, Sri Lanka, is part of the Asian Highway Network (AH), a collaborative initiative among Asian nations (Alam and Khan, 2020). Asian Highway 47, which runs through the Indore region for 34.5 km and passes through many residential townships, commercial complexes, and institutional buildings, is a heavily traveled route (Majumdar et al.). Indore has the second-highest vehicle registration rate in India, with 560 vehicles per 1,000 population, exacerbating traffic congestion and emissions. Two-wheelers dominate the traffic, accounting for 54–67% of vehicles, while passenger cars constitute 22–33% (Kapse et al., 2023). Traffic intensity surges by 40–60% during peak hours, indicating severe congestion on AH47, particularly in the mixed vehicle lanes of the Indore BRT corridor. Vehicular emissions, especially PM10, are a significant contributor to air pollution in Indore. Studies show PM10 levels are highest at intersections, with the Manglia intersection having the maximum concentration. The poor traffic conditions led to a PIL demanding the scrapping of the BRT system in favor of mixed lanes for buses, highlighting the severe congestion issues. Upgrading AH47 to a paved 2-lane divided carriageway is expected to increase capacity and reduce travel time. However, traffic is projected to grow from 4,308 vehicles per day to 14,852 by 2029, which will continue to drive emissions.
The sources of local air pollution were identified in the current study, and the analysis concentrated on the effects of changes in traffic load on vehicle pollution levels. The study area was chosen as IDTL toll Manglia and Bicholi Mardana on Asian Highway 47 corridor at Indore. Together with the overall vehicle pollution load on each divergence on Asian Highway 47, the air quality index for each location was computed. In the future, this data can assist in the formulation of policies pertaining to road infrastructure, traffic management, and significant traffic volume reduction strategies. In compliance with the CPCB's recommended limit, it may also be used to examine the present level of vehicular pollution with the matching traffic divergence sites.