The traffic police department has taken a series of measures to ensure that the defunct signals in the state capital start working.

Patna traffic superintendent of police (SP) Chandrika Prasad told The Telegraph that the work of re-installation of traffic signals in 17 locations of the city could be given to an NGO or an agency. But the contract would have clear clauses to ensure that the signals are maintained regularly. For this, the department has altered some clauses in the contract to ensure that the agency (or NGO) that would work on the defunct signals maintained them regularly.

“The company that will get the contract will have to ensure that they maintain the traffic signals for a minimum 10 years. The expenditure for this will be taken from the company in one go and the funds will be with the police. In case the company fails to do maintain the signals, the amount will be confiscated. The state government has burnt its fingers and will not repeat the same mistake again,” the officer said.

He added that the work for the project would begin next month.

“Two options can be considered for the new plan. Fresh tenders can be floated and an NGO or an agency can be hired. Besides, funds for the purpose can be provided to us and we will take care of it,” the officer said.

Sources told The Telegraph that once the signals become functional, they would be operated manually. They pointed out that the electronic timer signals would not work in Patna anymore.

In 2005, Calcutta-based Webel Mediatronics had got the contract for the installation and maintenance of signals at a cost of Rs 1.19 crore. The same year, the signals developed snags and went out of order.

At that time, the police headquarters signed an annual maintenance contract with the company and called for Webel to maintain the signals for one year. Despite all problems, the contract with Webel was renewed.

“The police in November last year lodged an FIR against the company. All these things are history now. It is time to look ahead and ensure that the mistakes are not repeated. We will be very careful and choosy in selecting the new agency. The police would also monitor the situation continuously,” the traffic SP said.