Exploring the role of ITMS in Mumbai's traffic management

Navigating through the labyrinthine streets of Mumbai can be quite a challenge given its perpetual congestion This leads to nightmarish commutes and to combat the growing problem a solution offered was an Intelligent Traffic Management System ITMSThe ITMS is a technological intervention designed to streamline traffic flow reduce congestion and improve overall traffic efficiency in Mumbai This system combines multiple components to collect realtime traffic data analyse it and communicate it to drivers and traffic authoritiesMaharashtra Cabinet in 2019 had approved a budget of Rs 891 crore for Mumbai Policersquos ambitious projectmdashITMSUnder the project the city was scheduled to get 4705 smart traffic signals 300 red light violation detection cameras 925 automatic number plate recognition cameras and an additional 600 specialised cameras of which 300 could identify the movement of vehicles in wrong direction The other 300 were to detect illegal parkingWhat is ITMSITMS is a sophisticated network of technologydriven solutions for monitoring controlling and managing traffic on urban roads and crossings ITMS uses a variety of sensors and cameras to collect realtime data on traffic conditions analyse it and change traffic flow as appropriateAlso Read Mumbai local train Is commuter vigilance during peak hours solution to combat ticketless travelDr Parvinder Singh Pasricha one of the most highprofile traffic cops in India elaborated that ITMS aids in minimising traffic congestion and increases overall traffic efficiency in the city by optimisation of traffic signal timings etc He added that these systems based on realtime data provide solutions to motoristsAt the heart of ITMS lies its ability to gather realtime traffic data This data is collected using a network of sensors strategically positioned throughout Mumbai These sensors come in various formsTraffic Detection Sensors These clever sensors use different technologies like radar induction loops or cameras to spot vehicles on the road They can tell how many vehicles there are how fast theyre going and how many pass through a particular areaANPR Automatic Number Plate Recognition ANPR cameras are like smart eyes that capture license plate information This helps traffic authorities to keep track of where vehicles are going and spot places where traffic gets stuckCCTV Cameras Highdefinition CCTV cameras act as watchful eyes providing visual information about traffic flow accidents and road conditionsFrom data to decisionsOnce all the data is collected it is sent to a central traffic management centre Software analyses the information to find out where there are traffic jams where accidents happen and where traffic moves slowlyIs ITMS beneficial for MumbaiDr Pasricha who is also a former Mumbai top cop said that the ITMS system is being increasingly deployed globally and it will be beneficial for the cityldquoTraffic is like water if the roads are dug somewhere if there is a traffic diversion the ITMS based on these optimises the traffic flow The sensors gauge the volume of traffic and accordingly make changesrdquo he saidHe explained that technology is advancing and soon systems and IT solutions will be introduced that will minimise road accidents Citing Union Minister Nitin Gadkari he added that the digital toll systems are also advancingFor instance if one is heading towards Pune but is ending the journey at Khalapur a person will be charged as much toll as is applicable wherever they terminate the journey There are plans to introduce such sophisticated systems he addedWhen asked about the broader and longterm implications of the ITMS he remarked that land use and urban traffic transportation systems are interlinkedldquoBased on the data collected by ITMS the planning agencies can optimise the land use We have built sea bridges like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Road When data from the ITMS is used it helps understand which areas see more volume of traffic and use of land Based on it infrastructural development can be undertakenrdquo he addedDr Pasricha elaborating on it further noted that these ITMS systems will collect data specific to every locality and present what issues it faces based on which planning agencies will get an idea of issues they need to focus onPublic talkDhaval Shah the founder of Lokhandwala and Oshiwara Citizensrsquo Association speaking to midday affirmed that the ITMS system is beneficial for Mumbai While elaborating on it he said ldquoEven to get a signal time changed multiple complaints are raised before action is taken With ITMS the system based on data analysis will handle the signal timing and other things based on the engagement of a particular roadrdquoldquoHowever I believe that implementation of ITMS in Mumbai should be carried out in a phased manner since part of the funding comes from taxpayersrsquo money After testing the system at one location it can be later expanded across Mumbairdquo he addedThe Mumbai Traffic Police largely disseminates information through their social media handles which get a lot of traction and traffic advisory boards have also been constituted in each traffic division that is used to spread information to the public at large In case the public has feedback to give about ITMS they can do so through these channels said Shah when asked about how can the public give their feedback and added that he is a member of the DN Nagar traffic advisory boardHe points public involvement in such big projects is crucialWhen asked about what will allay the publicrsquos fears of privacy and data collection he noted that the public must be taken into confidence and made understood that these systems are for peoplersquos goodldquoToday if a vehicle is blocking a road people film a video and upload it on social media sites like Instagram and X Twitter There are so many videos of traffic offenders on social media sites and through a range of applications one can access all information One cannot hide anythingrdquo he said