Bedi Inspects Chennai's ₹530-Crore Intelligent Transport System Near Egmore Signal

On Thursday, Additional Chief Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department Gagandeep Singh Bedi inspected the ongoing installation of the ₹530-crore Chennai Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) project near the Egmore signal on Poonamallee High Road. The massive technology-driven initiative, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is scheduled to become fully operational by August.

During the site visit, Bedi directed officials to ensure that all major components of the project are commissioned within the scheduled timeline. The project aims to significantly improve traffic management, road safety, and public transport services through advanced technology.

The ITS project is divided into two primary divisions. The first is the Traffic Information and Management System, designed for the Greater Chennai Traffic Police. The second is the City Bus System, which will serve the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC).

To upgrade the city's traffic management, several high-tech installations are underway. The rollout includes 165 adaptive traffic control signals, 50 red-light violation detection systems, and 10 speed-limit violation detection systems. Furthermore, 58 traffic incident detection systems and 115 automatic traffic count and classification units are being set up across major roads and junctions.

For real-time communication, the project features an integrated command and control centre for the traffic police, alongside 13 variable message signboards that will provide live traffic updates to commuters.

Public transit is also receiving a major overhaul. About 3,500 MTC buses are currently being fitted with Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS) devices. To assist passengers, 616 passenger information display boards are being installed, supported by 32 depot management systems to modernise overall bus operations. An MTC command centre is also being established.

Necessary permissions to set up the communication network infrastructure have been secured from the Chennai Corporation and the State Highways Department. Power connections and junction improvement works are currently progressing. Once fully operational, the system is expected to reduce travel and waiting times, improve traffic flow, and enhance the reliability of public transport.