National Highways Are Becoming Smarter
India's national highways are being completely transformed. Roads are broader today, and vehicles can flow unobstructed. Roads are also becoming intelligent with the aid of technology. A few months ago, an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), backed by artificial intelligence, was launched on the Dwarka Expressway connecting Delhi and Gurugram. The government has planned to implement this system on highways in the country as well.
ATMS Developed Under NHAI Guidelines
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) formulated the guidelines for the project. Indian Highways Management Company Limited designed the system. NHAI will be operating it. Besides Dwarka Expressway, ATMS has also been installed on a 28-km stretch of NH-48. Overall, 56.46 km of roads now operate this system. It is India's first digital highway that relies on AI to regulate traffic. The primary objectives of the system are real-time traffic monitoring and accurate accident detection.
System Identifies Traffic Offenses Real-Time
Advanced cameras on this road monitor traffic offenses. For instance, if a motorist fails to use a seatbelt, the system will identify it. ATMS can recognize 14 categories of traffic rule offenses. They include overspeeding, three-ridering, and other risky conduct.
Instant Challans Through Integrated Portal
This system is directly connected to the NIC e-challan portal. On violation, information is forwarded to the respective police officers. Towards its mission for road safety, NHAI is conducting awareness programs. ATMS will serve to enlighten people on safe usage of roads.
Surveillance Setup: Cameras, Sensors, and Control Room
The highway has 110 high-resolution PTZ cameras installed one every kilometer. The cameras are continuously watching the highway, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ATMS employs five fundamental systems:
- Real-time traffic observation
- Accident video capture
- Speed observation
- Message signboards
- A command center
Command Center Coordinates Emergency Response
The command center serves as the system's control unit. It promptly notifies highway personnel in an emergency situation such as an accident, heavy fog, or road closure. It also alerts animal sightings on the road.
National Rollout Planned
The Dwarka Expressway is a pilot for this technology. The government aims to install the same system on all national highways. Once this is done, India’s highways will be better managed and safer for all travelers.
