International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Traffic volume studies and capacity forecasting are critical elements of urban transport infrastructure planning. This paper presents a comparative research analysis using empirical traffic projection data from the proposed Pune Ring Road (PRR) corridor project. We systematically apply five classic macroscopic traffic stream models: the Greenshields Linear Model, Greenberg Logarithmic Model, Underwood Exponential Model, Northwestern Exponential Model, and Drake Bell-Shaped Curve Model. Mathematical derivations for maximum flow (qmax) and optimum velocity (v0) are established for each framework. By grounding our equations in the project's empirical vehicle statistics alongside standard calibrated engineering boundaries, we evaluate how each model characterizes the transition from free-flow to congested traffic flow. A non-linear regression using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is executed to rank the models based on Coefficient of Determination (R2) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). This study establishes a definitive theoretical framework to assist civil engineers in selecting appropriate macroscopic models for structural highway designs, toll plaza geometry, and intersection grade-separations.

Chinmay Deshpande, Anand Tapase,"A Comprehensive Comparative Analysis of Traffic Stream Models for Highway Volume and Capacity Optimization: A Case Study of the Pune Ring Road Corridor" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(3): Page(2169-2176) May-June 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.