Bhubaneswar, April 27: Work has begun on the city's smart traffic signalling system.
Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) is executing that project that will be based on sensor data to identify traffic density at junctions. Under this system, traffic can be controlled based on video inputs captured and transmitted to a central server.
The executing agency, M/s Envoys Electronics Pvt Ltd, has chosen five junctions along Sachivalaya Marg to install the new signalling system. These junctions are Housing Board Square, Institution of Engineers Square, BDA City Centre Square, Regional Institute of Education Square and Anand Bazaar Square.
"We have decided to install the intelligent traffic system at five places on a pilot basis. The experience will help us execute the entire project in the later phases. We have been assured that the entire project will be completed by September," said BSCL managing director Krishan Kumar.
BSCL plans to install the system at 58 junctions. It also plans to have the pelican system at 14 places. This system will ensure pedestrian control over zebra crossings. This system allows pedestrians to stop traffic by pressing a button so that they can cross.
There will be a central command control centre, which will monitor the traffic flow and accordingly, with appropriate computational analysis, direct the traffic inflow dynamics through the signal points. Initially, there will be a temporary centre for the five junctions, but later the centre will be integrated with the proposed city command control centre of the smart city.
The smart traffic signalling system is a real-time state-of-the-art system that enables the traffic signals to adapt according to the traffic situation at any given time.
"The benefits of this latest signal system are reduction in delays, shorter queues, decreased travel time and reduction in pollution levels," said a BSCL official.
At present, the traffic situation is quite disorganised at the five junctions.
While the one near Regional Institute of Education faces traffic congestion because of the narrow road, the others near BDA City Centre, Housing Board, Institute of Engineer and Ananda Bazaar witnesses regular traffic violations.
"Most of the junctions along Sachivalaya Marg pose a danger to commuters. The policemen, too, fail to control the traffic. Many of the junctions do not even have traffic lights. We pedestrians face a lot of problems crossing the road. I hope the new system will be able to solve these problems," said Sriram Mohanty, a resident of Acharya Vihar.
