Intelligent Traffic Management System Launches on Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Issue Challans

In a bid to revolutionize road safety, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has launched the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) on the entire stretch of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This cutting-edge system, which went live just a week ago, aims to monitor and regulate traffic violations in real-time. Despite its promising potential, the ITMS is yet to issue real-time challans to traffic violators, revealing teething troubles in its initial stage of operations.

Understanding ITMS: A First for Maharashtra

State transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar explained that the ITMS on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is the first of its kind on any highway in Maharashtra. This new system is equipped with AI cameras that monitor traffic round-the-clock. However, being the first instance of ITMS implementation, the system is facing some initial challenges. Bhimanwar is optimistic that with time and proper adjustments, these issues will be resolved. “We are at a learning stage, understanding the system,” he stated.

Currently, an external agency that set up the ITMS collects data on traffic violators. This data is then sent to transport assistant inspectors for evaluation, as the agency lacks the authority to issue traffic challans directly. This process highlights the need for refinement in the system to ensure seamless operations.

The Legacy and Milestone of Mumbai-Pune Expressway

India’s first access-controlled expressway, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, was inaugurated in 2002. Also known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, it was constructed by the MSRDC. Spanning 94 km, the expressway starts at Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai and ends at Kiwale in Pune. The introduction of ITMS on this expressway marks a significant milestone, making it the first expressway in the state to be equipped with an intelligent traffic management system.

Challenges and Teething Troubles

Despite its high-tech capabilities, the ITMS has faced several challenges since its launch. Bhimanwar pointed out significant issues within the system, including instances where the ITMS mistakenly issued challans. “For example, the system has issued challans to a pillion rider using a phone next to the driver, and in another case, a commuter was fined for not wearing a seatbelt even though he was wearing one. These and other software glitches need correction,” he said.

Currently, the delay in issuing a traffic challan Pune is notable, taking more than three to four days. The goal is to reduce this time to within 48 hours of the offence. Bhimanwar emphasized the importance of accuracy, stating, “Our instruction is clear: it’s acceptable if a challan isn’t issued, but issuing a wrong challan is not.”

ITMS Infrastructure and Capabilities

The ITMS features AI-equipped cameras installed every 10 kilometers along the 94-km stretch of the Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway. These cameras are capable of identifying 11 types of traffic violations, including driving without a seatbelt, talking on the phone while driving, wrong lane driving, lane cutting, speeding beyond the restricted limit, rash driving, and vehicles without a proper fitness certificate. Positioned on gantries and poles, each 10 km radius has a gantry equipped with three cameras.

Initially, the ITMS was operational only on the ghat section of the expressway in March this year. Now, it has been expanded to cover the entire stretch. However, the old Mumbai-Pune Expressway remains outside the system’s purview.

Enhanced Monitoring and Increased Traffic Challans

Since the introduction of ITMS, the number of daily challans issued has increased significantly, from a mere 100-200 to about 4,000. Previously, an interceptor vehicle was deployed on the expressway to issue challans. This vehicle could only cover a range of 400 meters and was manned by a human, operating for a few hours rather than 24×7. In contrast, the ITMS operates continuously, addressing common offences such as driving in the wrong lane, lane cutting, and over-speeding. The AI-based cameras aim to control these violations and significantly enhance road discipline.

Despite the ITMS implementation, visible highway patrolling has not been completely withdrawn. The presence of patrolling continues to act as a deterrent to traffic violations, especially since the ITMS currently issues challans with a delay of 4-5 days. Traffic patrolling marshals continue to flash lights during night time to maintain order.

Future Prospects and Expansion

This ambitious project was undertaken by the MSRDC. The state transport commissioner’s office plans to extend similar projects to other major highways in the state. Six tenders have already been floated, including for ITMS implementation on the old Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The success of these initiatives could set a new standard for traffic management and road safety across the state.

Paying E-Challans: A Simplified Process

With the introduction of ITMS, the process of paying Pune traffic challans has also been streamlined. Users can easily access the payment of e challan through the echallan parivahan gov in online payment portal. The e challan login process is simple and user-friendly, allowing violators to view their traffic challan slip and make payments online.

Also Check: All Parivahan Sewa Services

For those who receive a Maharashtra traffic police challan, the echallan system provides a convenient way to handle payments without the need to visit a physical office. The e challan challan system ensures that all records are maintained digitally, making it easier for both authorities and violators to manage traffic offences efficiently.

CarInfo and Its Role in Traffic Management

The CarInfo app is an excellent resource for drivers in India, providing essential information such as RTO details, RC details, and service history. With the new ITMS in place, the CarInfo can be particularly useful for drivers who need to check their traffic violations and make quick payments for their Pune traffic challans. The app simplifies the process of accessing important vehicle-related information, making it easier for users to stay compliant with traffic regulations.

Conclusion

The launch of the Intelligent Traffic Management System on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety and regulating traffic violations. Despite initial challenges, the system holds great promise in transforming the way traffic is managed on one of Maharashtra’s busiest highways. As the ITMS continues to evolve and improve, it is expected to set a new benchmark for traffic management and road safety across the state, ensuring a safer and more disciplined driving experience for all.