Chennai Corporation set to launch Intelligent Transport System in August

Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will launch the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) in the city in August.

Gulf Cooperation Council Commissioner GS Sameeran said that the project is an important step towards creating a safer, transportation-friendly city.

The project, implemented with financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is making significant progress towards transforming urban mobility in the Chennai Metropolitan Region. The project, estimated at 530 billion Indian rupees, aims to improve traffic management, improve road safety and provide better public transport services through the adoption of advanced smart transportation technologies, an official said.

The project consists of two components: Traffic Information and Management System (TIMS) for the Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) and City Bus System (CBS) for the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC).

traffic signal

The official said that within the scope of TIMS, advanced systems such as Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Systems, Traffic Incident Detection Systems, Variable Message Signs, Red Light Violation Detection Systems, Speed ​​Limit Violation Detection Systems and Automatic Traffic Counter and Classifier Systems will be installed at strategic points throughout the city.

These systems will facilitate real-time traffic monitoring, automatic enforcement and data-based traffic management, resulting in smoother traffic flow and improved road safety. Significant progress has been made under the Adaptive Traffic Signal Control System (ATCS), with the completion of installations at 101 intersections and the successful integration of GCTP with the temporary Traffic Control Centre. The official said that installation and integration work is continuing in other locations.

Red Light Violation Detection System (RLVD) has been implemented in 25 locations, featuring automatic number plate recognition and challan generation features to increase compliance with traffic regulations.

speed limit detector

The Speed ​​Limit Violation Detection System (SLVD) was installed at three points to monitor overspeeding vehicles and strengthen road safety supervision. “We will install the system in seven locations soon,” an official said.

Traffic Incident Detection Systems (TIDS) have been installed at 47 strategic crossing points to facilitate real-time traffic monitoring, incident detection and faster emergency response. In addition, Variable Message Sign Boards (VMS) have been installed at three locations to provide real-time traffic updates, incident alerts and alternative route information to commuters, the official said.

A modern Traffic Information and Management Center (TIMC) is also being established at GCTP Headquarters. The facility will serve as the city’s central traffic monitoring and control center and is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026.

The GIS component includes the installation of Automatic Vehicle Positioning Systems in 3,500 MTC buses, Passenger Information Systems in 616 bus stops and depots, and Depot Management Systems in 32 depots. These initiatives will enable real-time bus tracking, accurate arrival information for commuters, and increased efficiency in bus operations.

Implementation activities continue steadily throughout the city. Permissions required for the communications network infrastructure have been facilitated by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the State Highways Department.

For locations where it is not technically possible to install the equipment, suitable alternative locations are identified to ensure optimum project scope and effective use of the systems, the official said.

While energy connections are secured at project locations, minor intersection improvement works are also carried out to support the installation of smart traffic management infrastructure.