New Delhi, Sep 30: Delhi is set for a major transformation in traffic management after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a Rs 1,789.52 crore Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) for the national capital.
The project aims to improve traffic flow, strengthen road safety and make daily travel more efficient by bringing advanced technology and real-time data into the management of Delhi’s busy road network.
The system will be implemented by the Delhi Police across 42 identified traffic corridors. It will be rolled out in three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance.
AI to Make Traffic Signals Smarter
The new system will use artificial intelligence, real-time traffic data and adaptive traffic signals to respond to changing traffic conditions.
Under the Adaptive Traffic Control System, signal timings will automatically change depending on traffic movement. Signals along major corridors will also be coordinated to improve vehicle flow and reduce unnecessary delays.
The technology is expected to help authorities make better use of existing road infrastructure as Delhi continues to experience rising traffic volumes.
The city currently has around 71 lakh active registered vehicles.
Faster Response for Ambulances
The project will also give priority to emergency vehicles.
The system will support the creation of green corridors for ambulances and other emergency vehicles, helping them move through congested routes with fewer interruptions.
It will also enable faster identification of accidents, congestion and other road incidents, allowing the Delhi Police to respond and manage diversions more quickly.
Real-Time Information for Commuters
Commuters will receive updated information on traffic conditions through Variable Message Signs and digital platforms.
Information on congestion, diversions and parking availability can help people choose alternative routes and plan their journeys more efficiently. Traffic updates may also be shared with navigation service providers.
Stronger Enforcement Through Technology
The ITMS will strengthen automated enforcement of traffic rules by detecting violations such as speeding, red-light jumping, wrong-way driving, illegal parking and failure to use helmets and seat belts.
The system will also identify the use of mobile phones while driving.
AI-based analytics will further assist authorities in identifying stolen, blacklisted and hot-listed vehicles, repeat offenders and vehicles linked to hit-and-run cases.
Push for Smarter Urban Infrastructure
The project comes as Delhi faces increasing pressure on its road network, with vehicle growth outpacing the expansion of road infrastructure.
Rather than depending only on fixed traffic signals and manual intervention, the new system will use real-time information to make traffic management more responsive.
The investment is also expected to support the wider urban technology ecosystem, creating opportunities for businesses involved in AI, traffic sensors, digital infrastructure, engineering, surveillance technology and smart mobility solutions.
The Rs 1,789.52 crore initiative marks a significant step towards a smarter, technology-driven and more efficient traffic system, with the potential to improve mobility and road safety for millions of people across Delhi.