Karnal goes hi-tech in traffic management

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, February 25

Aiming at managing traffic and minimising its congestion in the city, the Smart City Ltd has taken the help of hi-tech system. Adaptive traffic control systems and variable message signboards are being installed under the Smart City project.

Control systems being installed at 29 points

The adaptive traffic control systems are being installed at 29 points, while the variable message signboards at 35 key locations. Speakers are attached with each signboard to ensure a voice message along with a video.

Both the adaptive traffic control systems and variable message signboards will be connected with the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), which is being established in the under-construction building of the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC).

The adaptive traffic control systems are being installed at 29 points, while the variable message signboards at 35 key locations. Speakers are attached with each signboard to ensure a voice message along with a video.

With the help of variable message signboard, the residents would get information about seamless traffic flow, reducing the travel time and fuel consumption during waiting time at red lights, said Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, who is also the CEO of Karnal Smart City Ltd.

“The variable message signboard is a key element of dynamic traffic management system. Depending on the traffic situation, variable message signboard informs, warns and guides the motorists by displaying route information,” he added.

Since all adaptive traffic control systems are centrally connected with the ICCC, it enables the administration to manage all traffic lights centrally, he added.

“The adaptive traffic control system is a solution that automatically adapts the timings of traffic lights based on real-time traffic conditions to optimise the flow of traffic. The system will change traffic signal timings based on inputs from non-intrusive thermal-based vehicle detectors deployed at approach of each junction,” the CEO maintained.

It would be helpful in making green corridor, any VIP movement, etc, without disturbing normal traffic flow, he added.

The variable message signboard is centrally connected with the ICCC to display messages and information for citizens. The operation and maintenance will be taken care of by the implementing agency for five years, Yadav asserted.

“Separate electricity and UPS connection is available with each variable message signboard board,” he said.

Both the facilities have been started in the city on trial basis and people are complaining that these were started without any proper preparation. They rued that the stoppage time is more than the green light at the traffic chowk where the traffic congestion is high.

“The authorities have installed traffic lights at small intervals, leading to traffic congestion. The stoppage timing must be reduced,” said Arun Kumar, a resident of the city.

The DC said it was at an initial stage and timing would be adjusted after reviewing the performance of trial period.