Pune Smart City Project Gets A Lifeline: ATMS Signal System To Operate For 5 More Years
Pune Smart City Project Gets A Lifeline: ATMS Signal System To Operate For 5 More Years
Pune: Amid concerns over the discontinuation of the Central Government’s Smart City initiative, a significant development has emerged. The Smart City Development Corporation Limited has expressed readiness to take charge of the Adaptive Traffic Management System (ATMS) signal network for the next five years. A formal letter has been sent to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) outlining this proposal, and a final decision is expected during the company’s board meeting, according to PMC Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P.
This comes after the Central Government announced plans to wind down the Smart City project. However, a subsequent extension until March 2025 has provided a lifeline to ongoing initiatives under the scheme. There was uncertainty over who would maintain the ATMS system—initially planned to be transferred to the traffic police. With the police declining the responsibility, PMC seemed poised to inherit the task. Now, with the Smart City Company stepping up, the project’s continuity appears secure.
About the ATMS System
The ATMS is an advanced traffic management solution aimed at optimizing vehicle flow across Pune’s roads. Installed at 124 intersections across the city, this system controls all traffic signals and is critical for managing traffic congestion. The project, which cost ₹102 crore to implement, involves an annual maintenance expense of ₹11 crore. The PMC has been advised to allocate this budget to the Smart City Company for the system’s upkeep.
No Police NOC Needed
In a related update, the Police Commissioner’s Office recently suggested that PMC secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before disbursing payments to the maintenance firm. However, Additional Commissioner Prithviraj clarified that such an NOC is unnecessary, as the agreement is between PMC and the company directly.
This decision ensures uninterrupted functioning of the ATMS system, bolstering the city’s efforts to manage traffic efficiently.
