In a bid to bolster road safety and reduce incident response time, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled an ambitious plan to implement upgraded Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Standards and Specifications for 2023. These groundbreaking changes harness the power of cutting-edge AI technology to enhance road safety and digital enforcement on National Highways and Expressways across India.
The Evolution of ATMS
Under the new policy, the existing ATMS will undergo significant changes. One of the prominent upgrades involves replacing the traditional VIDS (Video Incident Detection System) cameras with the newly introduced Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System (VIDES). VIDES is designed to emphasize the digital enforcement of traffic rules and is equipped to identify 14 distinct incidents, including triple riding, helmet and seatbelt violations, wrong lane or direction driving, presence of animals on the highway, and pedestrian crossings.
Depending on the nature of the detected incident, VIDES will spring into action. It can alert route patrol vehicles, dispatch ambulances, generate electronic challans (e-challans), relay alerts to nearby Variable Messaging Boards, or send notifications through the ‘Rajmargyatra’ mobile app to nearby travelers.
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To ensure comprehensive coverage, these advanced cameras will be strategically positioned every 10 kilometers along National Highways. Moreover, state-of-the-art Command & Control Centers will be established at every 100 kilometers to efficiently integrate feeds from these cameras.
Incorporating the latest technology, the Vehicle Speed Detection System (VSDS) has been seamlessly integrated into VIDES. This optimization leverages Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for improved enforcement of speed limits.
The Traffic Monitoring Camera System Upgrade
The Traffic Monitoring Camera System (TMCS), a crucial component of ATMS, will also receive an upgrade. These cameras, positioned every 1 kilometer on the National Highway, will now be equipped with advanced capabilities for automated detection of accidents and stalled vehicles, further enhancing the system’s efficiency.
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Collaboration for Real-Time Response
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, NHAI will allocate dedicated workstations within the Command & Control Center for traffic police representatives. This move is set to foster real-time coordination and a swifter response to incidents.
ATMS for Disaster Management and Information Sharing
Beyond enhancing road safety, the ATMS deployment is expected to play a pivotal role in disaster management by providing valuable inputs for effective planning and implementation. It will also facilitate the online sharing of highway status and other critical information, benefitting both authorities and highway users.
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Digital Highways and Future-Ready Infrastructure
In a forward-thinking move, NHAI’s policy provisions for the development of Digital Highways. These integrated utility corridors along National Highways will house Optic Fiber Cables (OFC) infrastructure. The ATMS equipment will initially use OFC to communicate with the Command & Control Center, with plans to incorporate 5G-based communication as coverage expands.
A Safer, More Efficient Future
In alignment with contemporary requirements, NHAI‘s new ATMS standards encompass updates to both hardware and software components. These changes underline NHAI’s unwavering commitment to creating safer, more efficient, and accident-free highways that benefit all travelers across the country. Road safety and digital enforcement are poised to reach new heights with these groundbreaking advancements.
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