Published Paper Details:

Urban Heat Island (UHI) is a critical environmental phenomenon characterized by elevated temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural regions. While previous research has predominantly focused on building density and land use, the role of road infrastructure as a major contributor to urban heat dynamics remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of road infrastructure on UHI intensity within the municipal boundaries of Sambhajinagar, a rapidly urbanizing tier-2 city in India. The research adopts a spatio-temporal analytical approach, integrating road network characteristics, surface temperature variations, and urban morphology. It examines how road density, material properties, traffic intensity, and vegetation cover influence localized heat accumulation. The findings indicate that asphalt-based road networks significantly contribute to heat storage and delayed heat release, intensifying nighttime temperatures. High-density road zones exhibit greater surface temperatures and stronger UHI effects compared to peripheral areas with lower infrastructure intensity. The study also highlights the role of urban canyon geometry and reduced vegetation in exacerbating heat retention along major corridors. The paper concludes that road infrastructure must be integrated into urban climate planning frameworks to mitigate UHI effects effectively.