A defunct traffic signal at Dakbungalow on Tuesday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

Think Dutch for technological expertise — that’s the new mantra to tame the chaotic traffic situation in the state capital.

The Netherlands-based ARS Traffic and Transport Technology (ARS T&TT) has clinched the contract for installation of electronic traffic signals at 97 locations in the city from the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo).

On November 7, BUIDCo signed an agreement with ARS T&TT for introduction of an intelligent traffic system, which would entail an overall cost of Rs 25.2 crore.

The system would include installation of electronic traffic signal with closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs), which would be connected to each other through internal Wi-fi network.

Sources in BUIDCo said the implementation of the project was expected to start by November-end.

“Following the agreement for the traffic signal project, we have also awarded the respective work order as well to ARS T&TT. The firm has deposited the security deposit and they are likely to start mobilisation of resources required for execution of the project from next week. Accordingly, we expect the installation work to start by the end of this month,” said a senior BUIDCo official.

He added that ARS T&TT would be given four to six months’ time to complete installation of the traffic signals along with development of control rooms.

The signals would be installed as part of the city operational plan mandated by the ministry of urban development under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

The plan for Patna would see operation of 260 buses, 216 modern bus queue shelters and 97 electronic traffic signals.

“We would hold a meeting with the district administration, Patna police, traffic police and other agencies concerned in a couple of days to brief them on installation of electronic traffic signals and the support required from them,” said the BUIDCo official.

BUIDCo would install and maintain the electronic traffic system for three years and Patna Municipal Corporation would pay the electricity bills.

The experience of installing traffic signals in Patna has, however, not been a successful exercise in the past. Traffic signals were first installed at 17 locations in 2005.

However, a traffic police officer said in less than six months, the signals developed snags and stopped working. Although the agreement stated the company, Webel Mediatronics, was responsible for maintenance for five years, no attempt was made to repair the signals.

Traffic congestion has worsened in the past two years in the city.