What was said is coming true. Kochi is no longer the old Kochi. Kerala’s small smart city is going to be a little smarter now. Traffic control in Kochi, the busiest city in the state, is going to be fully automatic from now on. Traffic in the city will now be controlled through an automatic system. With the new system, it will be possible to catch violators by the hand and make the journey easier for pedestrians. It will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the 19th of this month.
The Technology-Based Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) has been set up in Kochi as part of the Smart Mission project. As part of the project, Keltron is equipped with vehicle activated signals, a self-propelled pelican signal for pedestrians to cross the road, area traffic management in three modes, surveillance cameras, a system for detecting red light violation vehicles, and signs for traffic problems in the city. The main attraction is the activated signals. Under the current system, vehicles have to wait until the signal light turns green, even if there is no vehicle on the road. But with the advent of ITMS, this wait can be avoided.
Signals operate with different considerations for vehicles with and without tracks. Signal time will be adjusted automatically using a radar system according to traffic congestion. Signals are installed at 21 major junctions in and outside Kochi city. This will facilitate traffic congestion on the road. Pelican signals will also be installed for pedestrians to cross the road. Pelican signals have been installed at the busy Shanmugham Road, Menaka Junction, Kaloor Palli Stop, and Edappally Palli Stop. The special feature of this is that the pedestrians can control the traffic through a specially designed switch.
Along with traffic signal control, ITMS can also help catch traffic violations. Innovative cameras are also part of the system to catch red-light violators. For this, cameras were installed in 35 centers. They can also take clear pictures at night and in bad weather. Other services included in the project include area traffic management in three modes, surveillance cameras, boards displaying current traffic problems in the city, and the control center. This will allow them to view the information on the entire center and make necessary updates. Traffic will be monitored at the control center set up at the Revenue Tower. There is also a facility to give suggestions.
