Pune-Satara Highway to Get ‘Intelligent’ Upgrade with ITMS System

The Pune-Satara highway, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the country, is set to receive a technological makeover with the installation of the Intelligent Traffic Management System, ITMS. 

This initiative, proposed by the National Highway Authority and to be executed by the state transport department, aims to enhance road safety and reduce accidents on this crucial route. 

Currently, the ITMS system is undergoing implementation on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and is expected to be fully operational within two months. Expanding its reach to other high-traffic roads, including the Pune-Satara highway, is the next step in the plan. 

The initial phase will cover the stretch between Pune and Satara, with plans for further expansion in the future., The Pune-Satara highway has been plagued by accidents at seven black spots, including Darga Phata, Cheladi, Sarola Bridge, Shindewadi, Pandharpur Phata, Paper Mill, and Khandala near Khed Shivapur. The introduction of ITMS is expected to significantly reduce the frequency of accidents. 

A comprehensive survey involving the Transport Department, Highway Police, and NHAI, National Highway Authority of India, will kickstart the process., Every day, approximately 50, with increased traffic on weekends. Notably, the highway witnesses a higher proportion of heavy transport vehicles traveling from Mumbai to Bangalore, leading to numerous accidents at critical locations like New Katraj Bogda and Navale Bridge.

The Highway Police records an alarming 60 to 65 accidents annually between Pune and Satara., Maintaining lane discipline is crucial on this highway. The National Highways Authority mandates that the left lane, lane number-1, is designated for heavy goods vehicles with a speed limit of 80 km per hour. 

Meanwhile, the right lane, lane number-2, is reserved for light vehicles, with a speed limit of 100 km per hour. Lane number-2 is primarily for overtaking, discouraging prolonged usage for those wishing to travel in their designated lanes., 

The proposal for implementing ITMS on the Pune-Satara route is awaiting approval. Once greenlit, the tender process will commence promptly, according to Vivek Bhimanwar, Transport Commissioner, Mumbai. 

What is ITMS?, or Intelligent Traffic Management System, operates through satellite control and utilizes drones for effective traffic management. It maintains a comprehensive record of all vehicles entering the route and monitors them throughout their journey. In the event of an accident, the system ensures swift assistance reaches the affected vehicle promptly. 

The installation of CCTV cameras along the road further enhances surveillance capabilities, enabling the enforcement of lane discipline and recording traffic rule violations., Why is the ITMS System Important?, The ITMS system is a crucial response to the rising number of accidents on Indian highways. It deploys modern technology to enforce traffic discipline, prevent accidents, offer immediate assistance to accident victims, and streamline road tax collection with speed, accuracy, and transparency. 

The network of CCTV cameras, the Average Speed Detection System, and the Lane Discipline Violation Detection System all play pivotal roles in reducing accidents and ensuring road safety.