Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) gears up to roll out an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) in August, aiming to reshape urban mobility. With a hefty ₹530 crore investment from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),the plan targets better traffic management and road safety for Chennai's commuters.
GCC Commissioner G.S . Sameeran stressed ITS as a leap forward in making transport safer,more user-friendly. It includes two main parts: Traffic Information and Management System (TIMS) for Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) and City Bus System (CBS) for Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC).
Under TIMS,advanced tech will be set up at key spots. Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Systems,Traffic Incident Detection Systems,and rule violation detection systems will tackle Chennai's traffic woes. Real-time monitoring should smoothen traffic flow .
Progress is visible. Adaptive Traffic Signal Control System (ATCS) is live at 101 junctions,linked to GCTP's temporary Traffic Control Centre. Red-Light Violation Detection System (RLVD) is now at 25 sites,using automated number plate recognition to push traffic law compliance.
Speed Limit Violation Detection System (SLVD) works at three spots,with plans to expand to seven more. Traffic Incident Detection Systems (TIDS) are at 47 flyovers,quickening emergency responses and real-time traffic checks . Variable Message Sign Boards (VMS) at three locations keep commuters updated on routes.
A new Traffic Information and Management Centre (TIMC) is under construction at GCTP Headquarters. This will be the nerve center for traffic control,ready by August 2026.
CBS will boost public transport by fitting Automatic Vehicle Location Systems in 3,500 MTC buses and Passenger Information Systems at 616 stops and depots. Real-time bus tracking and precise arrival info will improve efficiency.
Work is moving steadily. GCC and State Highways Department are securing permissions for communication network infrastructure. Where tech hurdles exist,alternative sites are chosen for full coverage.
Power is being connected at various spots,with minor junction tweaks underway to support the smart traffic systems. This ambitious project aims to transform Chennai's transport scene, making it safer and more efficient for residents.
