NHAI upgrades Advanced Traffic Management System to elevate Road Safety

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has recently unveiled its updated policy aimed at implementing advanced and progressive Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Standards and Specifications 2023, with the goal of improving road safety and reducing incident response time. By harnessing the latest advancements in AI technology, this initiative is set to significantly enhance road safety measures and digital enforcement protocols on National Highways and Expressways across the country.

One of the key enhancements involves the replacement of the previous VIDS cameras with the newly introduced Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System (VIDES). This upgrade is designed to underscore the digital enforcement of traffic regulations. Notably, the VIDES system boasts the capability to identify 14 distinct incidents, including triple riding, violations related to helmets and seatbelts, driving in the wrong lane or direction, the presence of animals on the highway, and pedestrian crossings. Depending on the nature of the incident detected, the VIDES system will promptly alert route patrol vehicles or ambulances, issue e-challans, transmit alerts through nearby Variable Messaging Boards, or send notifications via the 'Rajmargyatra' mobile app to nearby travelers.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, these cameras are scheduled for installation at 10-kilometer intervals along National Highways, with state-of-the-art Command & Control Centers established every 100 kilometers, seamlessly integrating various camera feeds. Furthermore, the Vehicle Speed Detection System (VSDS) has now been seamlessly integrated into VIDES, optimizing the utilization of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Moreover, the Traffic Monitoring Camera System (TMCS) is undergoing a significant upgrade. Positioned at one-kilometer intervals along the National Highway, these cameras are now equipped with advanced capabilities, including the automated detection of accidents and stalled vehicles.

In a bid to enhance collaboration with local traffic agencies, NHAI has allocated dedicated workstations within the Command & Control Center for traffic police representatives. Furthermore, provisions have been made for the seamless sharing of camera feeds across the network to facilitate real-time coordination and response.

The deployment of ATMS is expected to play a vital role in disaster management by providing crucial inputs for effective planning and implementation. Additionally, it will facilitate the online dissemination of highway status and other pertinent information, benefiting both the concerned agencies and the highway users.

The policy also includes provisions for the implementation of Digital Highways, involving the development of integrated utility corridors along National Highways for the establishment of Optic Fiber Cables (OFC) infrastructure. While the ATMS equipment will utilize OFC for communication with the Command & Control Center, the policy also accounts for the future integration of 5G-based communication as coverage continues to expand.

Aligned with contemporary requirements, NHAI's updated standards encompass advancements in both hardware and software components. By implementing these pivotal changes, NHAI remains resolute in its commitment to the development of safer, more efficient, and accident-free highways, ultimately benefiting all travelers across the nation.