Delhi’s traffic management is set for a major technology upgrade after the Union Cabinet approved an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) for 42 major corridors in the capital. The ₹1,789.52-crore project will use artificial intelligence, machine learning, real-time traffic data and automated enforcement to manage congestion, improve road safety and support emergency vehicle movement.
The project was approved by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Railway, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the system would be implemented in three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance. The plan is being taken forward under the government’s “One Network, Smarter Traffic” approach for real-time traffic management in Delhi.
The approved system will include 1,092 Adaptive Traffic Control Systems (ATCS) and 1,029 automated enforcement locations. ATCS technology will assess traffic density in real time and adjust signal timings according to vehicle volumes. The stated aim is to reduce delays at junctions by allowing signals to respond to changing traffic conditions instead of relying only on fixed timings.
Implementation will begin with five corridors, 250 adaptive traffic signal junctions and 271 enforcement points in the first phase. The second phase will cover seven corridors, 222 signal junctions and 236 enforcement points. The third and largest phase will include 30 corridors, 620 signal junctions and 522 enforcement locations.
The system will also connect with Delhi Traffic Police digital display boards, or Variable Message Signs, and mobile applications. These platforms are expected to provide real-time information on congestion, diversions and parking availability. The traffic data will also be shared with navigation service providers, allowing route information to reflect changing road conditions.
A key operational feature is the proposed ability to create green corridors for emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire tenders. Software integrated into the system will allow signals to be coordinated for such vehicles, potentially reducing stoppages during emergency journeys. The source report does not provide a separate implementation schedule for this feature.
The project is also designed to strengthen traffic enforcement and vehicle identification. High-definition Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, speed radars and violation-detection cameras will be installed at designated locations. According to the report, the system will be linked with the VAHAN vehicle database and police systems to help identify stolen vehicles, blacklisted vehicles and vehicles connected with hit-and-run cases.
Thermal cameras are planned for locations where winter fog reduces the effectiveness of conventional traffic cameras. These cameras are intended to improve vehicle detection and monitoring in low-visibility conditions, while also helping authorities assess traffic pressure and prepare traffic plans during the winter season.
Delhi Traffic Police officials cited the use of similar technology in Bengaluru, whose study was included in the proposal. The Cabinet approval establishes the project’s budget, phased rollout and maintenance framework; the next operational milestones will be the detailed implementation of the three phases and deployment across the identified corridors.
