A major shift in highway management has arrived in India with the activation of its first AI-powered traffic system this Wednesday in Delhi. This intelligent framework on the Dwarka Expressway and a segment of National Highway 48 is set to redefine road safety and efficiency.
It introduces a proactive approach to overseeing traffic, automating rule enforcement, and ensuring swift responses to any incidents that occur on these busy routes.
The system was developed by the Indian Highways Management Company Ltd (IHMCL) and implemented under the supervision of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
This launch brings to life NHAI’s 2023 vision for creating intelligent and secure national roadways, marking a significant step in modernizing the country’s transportation infrastructure.
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A Digital Guardian Across 56 Kilometres
The new Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) now oversees a total distance of 56.46 kilometres. This coverage includes the entire 28.46-kilometre Dwarka Expressway and a vital 28-kilometre stretch of NH-48 between Shiv Murti and Kherki Daula.
The primary objective is to make these critical corridors a smarter and more streamlined experience for commuters, setting a new standard for highway projects nationwide.
At its core, the ATMS relies on a network of advanced technologies. A Traffic Monitoring Camera System (TMCS), featuring 110 high-resolution PTZ cameras placed at one-kilometre intervals, provides continuous 24/7 surveillance. This complete visual oversight ensures that every event is captured, creating the foundation for this intelligent highway ecosystem.
AI-Driven Enforcement and Real-Time Information
Enhancing this surveillance is a Video Incident Detection & Enforcement System (VIDES), which uses artificial intelligence to identify up to 14 different traffic violations and incidents in real time. The system can automatically flag offenses under the Motor Vehicles Act, such as speeding, occupants not wearing seatbelts, and triple riding.
To keep motorists informed, Vehicle Actuated Speed Displays (VASD) provide immediate speed feedback, while Variable Message Signboards (VMS) broadcast live traffic conditions and safety advisories.
All information feeds into a Central Command Centre, which functions as the highway’s digital brain. This hub empowers authorities to coordinate an immediate and effective response to everything from collisions and fog to animal crossings.
To ensure accountability, the system is linked directly to the NIC’s e-challan portal, automating the process of reporting violations to the police for digital ticketing.
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A Model for the Future of Indian Highways
Officials from NHAI consider this initiative a foundational model for upcoming smart highway projects across India. Amrit Singha, Chief Product Officer at IHMCL, mentioned that the system’s goal extends beyond enforcement to include public education on road safety.
This approach is mirrored in smaller projects, like in Pune, where smart cameras are used to monitor driver drowsiness in public transport.
