Jan. 3: The automatic traffic signal system made its debut in the city today with the inauguration of two such facilities at the busy Maligaon and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intersections.
The solar-powered hybrid LED (light-emitting diode) traffic signals were installed by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) under the annual plan for 2003-04 with a sanctioned amount of Rs 16 lakh. The scheme was prepared in consultation with the traffic branch of the city police.
GMDA chief executive officer Samir Kumar Sinha and secretary S.K. Singh did the honours at the Maligaon and RBI intersections respectively this evening.
The systems were supplied by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), an enterprise under the Union ministry of defence, after the GMDA selected the company after floating tenders.
The signal system integrates solar and grid power with auto changeover. It has a battery backup of 10 hours. The fully automatic system is controlled by a micro-processor but can also be operated manually. It is fitted with countdown timer devices which are programmable according to the site requirements. It also has provisions for pedestrian signals.
The GMDA handed over the systems to the city traffic police, who have been trained to operate the signals by BEL. The systems will be maintained by BEL for the next five years at a cost of Rs 16 lakh. The maintenance cost is included in the project cost.
Road markings and temporary bamboo barricades were also set up by the GMDA at the two sites, following suggestions by traffic police.
The commissioner of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), Avinash Joshi, and superintendent of police (traffic) R.N. Barua were also present at the inauguration.
Barua said the new signals would be of great help to the short-staffed traffic police. “For instance, at the Maligaon intersection we generally need 12 personnel throughout the day to regulate traffic. But after the installation of the automatic signal, only one or two constables will be enough to supervise the traffic flow,” Barua said. The new systems would also ensure the safety of pedestrians, he said.
The traffic police have identified 44 intersections, including Jalukbari, Adabari, Bharalumukh, Fancy Bazar, T.C. School point, Ganeshguri, Bhangagarh, Basistha Chariali and Charabbhati, which urgently require automatic signals.
The Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration has assured that it will provide four more automatic signal systems to be installed in the second phase.
