NHAI implementing an advanced traffic management system to reduce accidents

Source: The post is based on the article “NHAI implementing an advanced traffic management system to reduce accidents” published in Livemint on 19th January 2023.

What is the News?

National Highways Authority of India(NHAI) is implementing the Advanced Traffic Management System(ATMS) on national highways and expressways for managing incidents of road crashes and enforcement of speed limits and other regulations on highways. 

What is an Advanced Traffic Management System(ATMS)?

ATMS involves a set of intelligently integrated roadside equipment that are connected to ensure a safe and secure journey, including smooth traffic movement and timely reaction to untoward incidents.

The ATMS has already been implemented for around 3,000 km of National Highways.

How will ATMS work?

The ATMS will be linked to the vehicle database of the transport department(RTOs). It will identify those vehicles, which do not have valid papers. The data will be shared with local traffic police for issuing challans.

All this will be made possible by capturing the number plate of a vehicle. This will tell ATMS about the insurance of the vehicle, its age, pollution certificate and CNG kit testing certificate since the system will be linked to the RTO database.

Moreover, ATMS will not only be capable of capturing a photo of the number plate of the vehicle but will also alert the authorities if travellers are not wearing seat belts.

What are the other steps taken by NHAI to improve safety on highways?

NHAI is looking at leveraging GIS technology for analyzing drone videos and Network Survey Vehicle data for identifying safety issues on highways.

NHAI is imparting mandatory 15 days of Road Safety Audit Training to its engineers. The completion of training has been made a key criterion for the promotion of engineers to the post of Manager and Deputy General Manager.