12.3 Lakh E-Challans Issued on Atal Setu and Pune E-Way with New ITMS Surveillance
Maharashtra’s Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) has revolutionised road safety and traffic regulation by issuing 12.3 lakh e-challans in just six months for traffic violations on two of the state’s major transport corridors: Atal Setu and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. With the help of cutting-edge surveillance technology, including AI-enabled CCTV cameras, the state has managed to monitor and regulate traffic more efficiently, holding violators accountable in real time.
The ITMS, which was recently activated on the Atal Setu and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, is proving to be a game-changer in the management of road traffic. These high-traffic routes have long been plagued by violations such as speeding, lane cutting, and illegal parking, and now, the new system is actively addressing these issues. According to Joint Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad, more than 8.5 lakh of the issued e-challans, or 70% of total violations, were related to speeding, highlighting the system’s focus on curbing high-speed driving. The system is designed to automatically detect violations such as speeding, lane cutting, and illegal parking using strategically placed CCTV cameras along bridges and other key locations. ITMS uses AI to read number plates, issuing e-challans to the violators via their mobile phones once they complete their journey on the bridge.
The Atal Setu, connecting Sewri in Mumbai to Ulwe in Navi Mumbai, and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, are two of the busiest corridors in the state, with traffic volumes reaching up to 60,000 vehicles on weekends. These routes have seen frequent violations due to the high volume of vehicles and the speeding culture that has developed among some motorists. The introduction of ITMS has significantly improved traffic monitoring, leading to better enforcement and compliance. In addition to speeding violations, the system on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been effective in addressing 17 different offences, including lane cutting, illegal parking, and more. The expressway, which sees daily traffic of up to 40,000 vehicles, is now under constant surveillance, with violators being caught in the act and penalised automatically.
What sets ITMS apart from traditional traffic monitoring is its ability to capture and analyse traffic data in real time. The integration of AI with surveillance systems ensures that violations are detected instantly, and fines are issued without delay. For motorists, this means greater accountability, as they are aware that violations will be caught by the surveillance system, even if they are unaware of a camera in the vicinity. The system is applicable to all vehicles, both private and public, including buses operated by BEST and NMMT. Transport officials say that this automation is fostering a culture of responsible driving, as drivers are now more aware of the consequences of their actions. The success of ITMS on Atal Setu and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has paved the way for the system’s expansion to other major routes in the state. Authorities are now planning to extend ITMS to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, a key expressway that will further benefit from enhanced traffic regulation.
This expansion is part of the Maharashtra government’s broader commitment to using technology to improve road safety and traffic management. Senior officials believe that ITMS not only ensures better enforcement of traffic rules but also helps in reducing traffic congestion caused by disabled vehicles, as the system can promptly identify and report such incidents to the control room. The introduction of ITMS marks a critical step forward in making Maharashtra’s roads safer for all users. While challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that all drivers follow speed limits and other regulations, the system has already shown significant promise in promoting road safety. With more routes set to adopt this technology, the state is taking significant strides towards creating a safer, more regulated road environment.
