Exploring the role of ITMS in Mumbai's traffic management

Navigating through the labyrinthine streets of Mumbai can be quite a challenge given its perpetual congestion. This leads to nightmarish commutes and to combat the growing problem, a solution offered was an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS).

The ITMS is a technological intervention designed to streamline traffic flow, reduce congestion and improve overall traffic efficiency in Mumbai. This system combines multiple components to collect real-time traffic data, analyse it, and communicate it to drivers and traffic authorities.

Maharashtra Cabinet in 2019 had approved a budget of Rs 891 crore for Mumbai Police's ambitious project - ITMS.

Under the project, the city was scheduled to get 4,705 smart traffic signals, 300 red light violation detection cameras, 925 automatic number plate recognition cameras and an additional 600 specialised cameras of which 300 could identify the movement of vehicles in wrong direction. The other 300 were to detect illegal parking.

What is ITMS?

ITMS is a sophisticated network of technology-driven solutions for monitoring, controlling, and managing traffic on urban roads and crossings. ITMS uses a variety of sensors, and cameras to collect real-time data on traffic conditions, analyse it, and change traffic flow as appropriate.

Also Read: Mumbai local train: Is commuter vigilance during peak hours solution to combat ticketless travel?

Dr Parvinder Singh Pasricha, one of the most high-profile traffic cops in India, elaborated that ITMS aids in minimising traffic congestion and increases overall traffic efficiency in the city by optimisation of traffic signal timings, etc. He added that these systems, based on real-time data, provide solutions to motorists.

At the heart of ITMS lies its ability to gather real-time traffic data. This data is collected using a network of sensors strategically positioned throughout Mumbai. These sensors come in various forms:

Traffic Detection Sensors: These clever sensors use different technologies like radar, induction loops, or cameras to spot vehicles on the road. They can tell how many vehicles there are, how fast they're going, and how many pass through a particular area.

ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition): ANPR cameras are like smart eyes that capture license plate information. This helps traffic authorities to keep track of where vehicles are going and spot places where traffic gets stuck.

CCTV Cameras: High-definition CCTV cameras act as watchful eyes, providing visual information about traffic flow, accidents, and road conditions.

From data to decisions

Once all the data is collected, it is sent to a central traffic management centre. Software analyses the information to find out where there are traffic jams, where accidents happen, and where traffic moves slowly.

Is ITMS beneficial for Mumbai?

Dr Pasricha, who is also a former Mumbai top cop, said that the ITMS system is being increasingly deployed globally and it will be beneficial for the city.

"Traffic is like water; if the roads are dug somewhere, if there is a traffic diversion, the ITMS based on these optimises the traffic flow. The sensors gauge the volume of traffic and accordingly make changes," he said.

He explained that technology is advancing and soon systems and IT solutions will be introduced that will minimise road accidents. Citing Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, he added that the digital toll systems are also advancing.

For instance, if one is heading towards Pune but is ending the journey at Khalapur, a person will be charged as much toll as is applicable wherever they terminate the journey. There are plans to introduce such sophisticated systems, he added.

When asked about the broader and long-term implications of the ITMS, he remarked, that land use and urban traffic transportation systems are interlinked.

"Based on the data collected by ITMS, the planning agencies can optimise the land use. We have built sea bridges like the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Road. When data from the ITMS is used, it helps understand which areas see more volume of traffic and use of land. Based on it, infrastructural development can be undertaken," he added.

Dr Pasricha elaborating on it further noted that these ITMS systems will collect data specific to every locality and present what issues it faces based on which planning agencies will get an idea of issues they need to focus on.

Public talk

Dhaval Shah, the founder of Lokhandwala and Oshiwara Citizens' Association, speaking to mid-day affirmed that the ITMS system is beneficial for Mumbai. While elaborating on it, he said, "Even to get a signal time changed, multiple complaints are raised before action is taken. With ITMS, the system based on data analysis will handle the signal timing and other things based on the engagement of a particular road."

"However, I believe that implementation of ITMS in Mumbai should be carried out in a phased manner since part of the funding comes from taxpayers' money. After testing the system at one location it can be later expanded across Mumbai," he added.

The Mumbai Traffic Police largely disseminates information through their social media handles which get a lot of traction and traffic advisory boards have also been constituted in each traffic division that is used to spread information to the public at large. In case, the public has feedback to give about ITMS, they can do so through these channels, said Shah when asked about how can the public give their feedback and added that he is a member of the DN Nagar traffic advisory board.

He points public involvement in such big projects is crucial.

When asked about what will allay the public's fears of privacy and data collection, he noted that the public must be taken into confidence and made understood that these systems are for people's good.

"Today, if a vehicle is blocking a road, people film a video and upload it on social media sites like Instagram and X (Twitter). There are so many videos of traffic offenders on social media sites and through a range of applications, one can access all information. One cannot hide anything," he said.