Maharashtra introduces AI-enabled traffic management system on Mumbai-Pune Expressway

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is gearing up to launch the state’s inaugural Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Scheduled to commence operations by the first week of June, this pioneering initiative aims to revolutionize traffic management and bolster road safety through the integration of cutting-edge technology. By leveraging AI-enabled cameras and e-challans, the ITMS will proactively detect and penalize traffic violations along the expressway’s route.

Among the key features of the ITMS are 218 AI-enabled CCTV cameras strategically positioned on 39 gantries across a 95-kilometre stretch of the expressway. These cameras will be instrumental in monitoring traffic flow and identifying various traffic infractions, with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology facilitating the swift issuance of e-challans. Furthermore, entry points to the expressway will be equipped with weigh-in motion machines for goods carriers to ensure compliance with weight regulations. 

Additionally, weather monitoring systems will be installed at 11 locations along the route to provide real-time weather updates to motorists. Emergency vehicles, including tow vans, cranes, and ambulances, will be outfitted with vehicle tracking systems for improved incident response, while variable messaging sign boards (VMS) at 23 locations will deliver crucial real-time information to motorists, including updates on traffic conditions, road closures, and weather advisories.

The implementation of the ITMS promises a multitude of benefits, chief among them being the enhancement of road safety through proactive enforcement of traffic regulations. By relaying live feeds of speeding or violating vehicles to toll booths, the system aims to instill greater adherence to traffic rules and reduce incident response times. Moreover, the issuance of e-challans through the ITMS will ensure stricter enforcement of traffic violations, with penalties imposed on vehicle owners who fail to address pending fines. Additionally, the ITMS is poised to streamline the identification and removal of broken-down vehicles, thereby minimizing traffic disruptions and congestion, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Borghat section of the expressway.

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the ITMS on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway paves the way for its expansion to other key highways in Maharashtra, with plans already underway to introduce the system on the Samruddhi Mahamarg. This concerted effort underscores the state’s commitment to leveraging technology to transform traffic management and uphold safety standards, ultimately ensuring smoother and safer travel experiences for motorists traversing Maharashtra’s roadways.