ITMS Launched on Mumbai-Pune Expressway Faces Initial Hiccups in Real-Time Challan Issuance

The introduction of the Intelligent Traffic Management System aims to revolutionize road safety but encounters initial setbacks in real-time traffic enforcement.

The recently launched Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is facing initial challenges, particularly in issuing real-time challans to traffic violators. This cutting-edge system, designed to monitor and regulate traffic violations in real time, went live just a week ago but has yet to fully operationalize its enforcement capabilities.

State Transport Commissioner explained that the ITMS implementation on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway marks the first such initiative on any highway in Maharashtra. “We are at a learning stage, understanding the system,” he said. The ITMS, already in use on many highways worldwide, is expected to curb traffic violations significantly once fully functional. The current process involves an external agency collecting data on traffic violators, which is then evaluated by transport assistant inspectors. However, the agency lacks the authority to issue challans directly.

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, also known as the Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway, was inaugurated in 2002 and constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). It spans 94 kilometers from Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai to Kiwale in Pune. This expressway is now the first in the state to be equipped with an ITMS comprising AI-powered cameras installed every 10 kilometers along the stretch.

Significant challenges have surfaced, including instances where the ITMS has mistakenly issued challans. For example, the system fined a pillion rider for using a phone and another commuter for not wearing a seatbelt, despite evidence to the contrary. “Our instruction is clear: it’s acceptable if a challan isn’t issued, but issuing a wrong challan is not,” he emphasized. The current delay in challan issuance is more than three to four days, but efforts are underway to reduce this to within 48 hours of the offence.

Initially operational only on the ghat section of the expressway since March, the ITMS now covers the entire stretch. The old Mumbai-Pune Expressway remains outside its purview. Despite its promising potential, the ITMS faces several challenges that must be addressed to realize its full capability. The transport department remains optimistic, working diligently to streamline the process and enhance road safety on one of Maharashtra’s busiest highways, which sees a high traffic density of 80,000 to 100,000 vehicles daily.

The introduction of ITMS has significantly increased the number of daily challans issued, from 100-200 to about 4,000. Previously, an interceptor vehicle manned by a human operated on the expressway for a few hours, covering a range of 400 meters. In contrast, the ITMS operates 24/7, 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.

To ensure continuous monitoring, aside from the private agency, there are 10 traffic assistant inspectors stationed at the Kusgaon, Lonavala Control Centre for 24×7 ITMS monitoring. Plans are in place to double this number to enhance monitoring capabilities. Although the ITMS implementation has reduced the need for visible highway patrolling, it has not been completely withdrawn. Patrolling continues to act as a deterrent to traffic violations, with marshals flashing lights during nighttime to maintain order.

ITMS 

Mumbai–Pune Expressway (Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway 94km)

– India’s first 6-lane wide concrete, access-controlled tolled expressway

– Starts at Kalamboli (Raigad district) in Navi Mumbai

– Ends at Kiwale (Pune)

– Commissioned in 2002

– 22-year-old expressway

ITMS Infrastructure

– Total cameras: 115

– Installed on: 45 gantries & 50 poles

Traffic Violations Detected (11 types)

–  Driving without a seatbelt

– Talking on the phone while driving

– Wrong lane driving

– Lane cutting

– Speeding beyond the restricted limit

– Rash driving

– Vehicle without a proper fitness certificate

– And others

Impact of ITMS

– Increased challan issuance to over 4,000 per day from the previous 100-200 challans being issued

– ITMS operates 24×7, unlike human-operated interceptor vehicles

– Enhances traffic regulation and driving discipline

The MSRDC, which undertook this ambitious project, plans to extend similar initiatives 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 projects could set a new standard for traffic management and road safety across Maharashtra.