High-Tech ITMS With Satellite Surveillance To Transform Pune-Satara Highway Safety
Pune, 11th September 2023: The ‘Intelligent Traffic Management System’ (ITMS) is set to be installed on the Pune-Satara highway, one of the country’s busiest roadways, as proposed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). The State Transport Department will oversee the implementation of this system, aimed at reducing accidents on this crucial route.
Currently, the implementation of the ITMS system on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway is progressing swiftly and is expected to become fully operational within the next two months. In line with this initiative, the NHAI has extended its plans to deploy the ITMS system on high-traffic roads across the country, including the Pune-Satara route. The initial phase of this project will focus on the stretch between Pune and Satara, with plans for further expansion.
The highway currently features seven accident-prone black spots, including Darga Phata near Khed Shivapur, Cheladi, Sarola Bridge, Shindewadi, Pandharpur Phata, Paper Mill, and Khandala (Satara). The implementation of ITMS is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing accidents at these locations. The forthcoming survey, conducted in collaboration with the Transport Department, Highway Police, and NHAI, will mark the beginning of this critical safety enhancement effort.
The Pune-Bengaluru highway, witnessing the daily transit of approximately 50,000 vehicles, faces significant traffic challenges, especially on weekends when the number surges. Among these vehicles, heavy transport vehicles are predominant, particularly those traveling from Mumbai to Bengaluru. New Katraj tunnel and Navale Bridge have become notorious accident-prone spots along this highway, prompting the Highway Police to take action.
The Highway Police records indicate an alarming average of 60 to 65 accidents annually along the Pune-Satara route. To enhance road safety and streamline traffic flow, the National Highways Authority has proposed the implementation of an ‘Intelligent Traffic Management System’ (ITMS) on this route.
Under this system, traffic management will be facilitated through satellite technology, incorporating the use of drones for aerial surveillance. It will track and monitor every vehicle entering the route throughout its journey. In case of accidents, a rapid response system will ensure immediate assistance. The highway will be equipped with an extensive network of CCTV cameras, facilitating the monitoring of vehicles and the enforcement of lane discipline.
The ITMS aims to address the rising number of accidents by promoting traffic discipline, preventing accidents, providing swift assistance to accident victims, and expediting the collection of road tax in a transparent and efficient manner. Key components of the system include the ‘Average Speed Detection System,’ which monitors vehicle speeds, and the ‘Lane Discipline Violation Detection System,’ which identifies traffic rule violators.
Vivek Bhimanwar, the Transport Commissioner of Maharashtra, highlighted the importance of the ITMS and its potential benefits in ensuring road safety and reducing accidents. Once approved, the project will proceed with the tender process, marking a significant step toward enhancing the safety and efficiency of the Pune-Bengaluru highway.
Join Punekar News Whatsapp Group, Telegram, Instagram And Twitter For Regular Update about Pune City And Pimpri-Chinchwad
