The summer capital Srinagar is all set to get 33 Intelligent Traffic Light (ITL) systems, fitted with CCTV cameras, by end of this month. An official said work on the project was in progress at various places in the city, adding the system was aimed to discourage traffic violations and monitor traffic pressure at different junctions.
Intelligent traffic lights popularly known as smart trafficlights are a vehicle traffic control system that combines traditional trafficlights with an array of sensors and artificial intelligence to intelligentlyroute vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
With provision for the CCTV-based control of trafficsignals, the smart lights can sense the approach of vehicles and change thelight signal as per the requirement.
The state authorities, the official said, have roped in aDelhi-based company to install and maintain ITL at 33 locations across thesummer capital.
A control room will be set at the office of SeniorSuperintendent of Police (Traffic city) where officials would be able tomonitor traffic pressure at different routes.
They can also divert traffic on alternative routes, ifneeded, to avoid inconvenience to commuters.
Further, the cameras would catch the violators if they jumpthe red light. Officials said the challan would be sent on address of thevehicle owner along with photograph as proof of violation.
“The new system will discourage people from jumpingred-light and other traffic violations,” said SSP Traffic city Al TahirGeelani.
He said the ITL, apart from other hi-tech features, would beequipped with pedestrian signal lights and vehicle sensing system attached withsurveillance cameras.
At present 10 existing traffic signals in and around thecity-centre are being upgraded to ITL. These include Sangarmal Junction, ClockTower Crossing at MA Road, Fire and Emergency Services Batamaloo, J&K BankHeadquarters near Dalgate, Regal Crossing, and several intersections on thehighway, at Tengpora, Sanat Nagar, Hyderpora, Nowgam, and Bemina.
The new locations to be covered in the project are Natiporacrossing, Khayam Chowk, Hawal, Rambagh, Lal-Ded, Shalteng, Kak Sarai, SekiDafar, Karan Nagar, Shiraz junction, Mehjoor crossing bypass, Zero Bridge RajBagh junctions, Baghat, Iqbal Park junction, Gojwara, TRC fountain, JahangirChowk, Exhibition crossing, Dalgate crossing II, Ikhwan Chowk, Humhamajunction, and Qamarwari junction.