Over 100 traffic challans on 1st day in Srinagar
Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 19: Equipped with over 1,000 cameras at 62 key junctions across Srinagar city, the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) issued 102 challans for traffic violations on its first day of operation.
Part of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) under the Srinagar Smart City initiative, the ITMS enables real-time monitoring and enforcement of traffic regulations.
Officials at the command centre closely monitor live feeds from the cameras, which are simultaneously broadcast to the Traffic Department’s control room. The system supports functions such as issuing challans through legally notified devices and making public announcements.
Three types of cameras are installed at each junction: one for general surveillance, another for capturing violations, and a third for reading number plates.
Owaise Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of the Smart City Project Limited, explained that the system identifies violations such as crossing stop lines during red lights, driving without seat belts, using mobile phones while driving, and riding motorcycles without helmets.
“It also detects vehicles driving on the wrong side of the road and will include speed monitoring in the future. It retrieves the necessary data. The software identifies the violation of a particular vehicle with 100 percent accuracy,” he said.
The software, with the help of cameras, also logs the location and time of the violation. “After the violation is caught and verified, a message is sent to the violator for information. The aim is to reach areas that were not accessible earlier. The real goal is to improve traffic in Srinagar, making it safer and keeping a check on violations,” he added.
Ahmad highlighted that the ITMS not only promotes traffic discipline but also addresses challenges such as congestion and accidents. A two-way interaction system has been established at junctions, featuring speakers and panic buttons for emergencies like accidents or stalled vehicles. “If a vehicle breakdown causes congestion, our team can promptly dispatch towing services,” he explained.
The integration of traffic lights with the ITMS enables dynamic controls, such as clearing traffic for ambulances during emergencies. Ahmad added that the system is designed to reduce response times during accidents and emergencies, enhancing overall safety for drivers, pedestrians, and pillion riders.
Currently, 33 junctions have fully operational traffic lights, with plans to expand coverage annually. “This system is vital for a city of over a million people. It has the potential to streamline traffic management, reduce violations, and foster a safer urban environment,” Ahmad added.
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