With an eye on the upcoming Commonwealth Games, the Delhi Traffic Police is planning to introduce advanced systems in communication and computers for traffic management in the Capital. The system, called the Intelligent Transport System or ITS, aims at cutting commuting time.

“The Commonwealth Games are likely to require a special emphasis on the regulation of additional flow of traffic, especially in routes of athletes or roads leading to games venues,” said S N Shrivastava, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) at the ongoing Safety Convention 2008, organised by Institute of Engineers.

More than 200 safety experts and engineers are taking part in the two-day convention. According to Shrivastava, the ITS will help in reducing traffic jams, through the use of loop detectors, traffic cameras, changeable message signs, transit location systems, electronic traffic traveller information displays and traffic operation systems. He said unlike the present system, where the operation of traffic lights is automatic for a fixed time period, or manual during peak hours, electronic sensors at major crossings will regulate signals according to traffic congestion. The ITS will help in reducing accidents and delays.

Signal timings of over 100 traffic junctions are to be adjusted in accordance with traffic volume to ease congestion. Six disaster management vehicles are to be set aside for meeting road accidents.

Critical questions were also raised about the incomplete implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Delhi. Prof P K Sikdar, former director, Central Road Research Institute, said while BRT had been working successfully in various countries, the lack of its popularity in Delhi could be due to a partial implementation of the system.