Capital to get intelligent traffic management system

To be deployed on signal-free Expressway between Zero Point and Rawat


Iftikhar Choudhry June 21, 2019
PHOTO: AGHA MEHROZ/FILE

ISLAMABAD: With the population of the federal capital doubling to over two million over the past 20 years with a corresponding increase in the number of cars on the streets of the city adding to the headache of the city’s administrators, the apex civic agency of the capital has decided to introduce an intelligent traffic system.

To be implemented in the country for the first time ever, the Intelligent Transportation  System (ITS) will help mitigate transportation-related problems if the city.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) plans to install the new system over the Islamabad Expressway from Zero Point to Rawat to manage traffic on the signal-free corridor to control different intersections.

Under the project, an array of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems will spread along the length of the expressway. It would include the installation of static and the pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras every three kilometres. The cameras will have a coverage area of 500 meters.

A dedicated Traffic Control Center (TCC) will be established which will be connected with field devices with fibre optics which will be laid across the expressway. The TCC will be equipped with LED Video wall screens, video wall controller, video storage and core network switch.

Another feature, which this system will introduce, includes electronic variable message signs. Officials hope it will improve road safety apart from reducing the impact of congestion by providing up-to-the-minute information regarding incident management, driver information, strategic diversion and other obstacles on the expressway. For this purpose bridges and existing gantries will be utilized to set them up.

The ITS will also have the ability not only to classify vehicles but could also count the vehicles to ensure smooth traffic management, particularly during peak hours.

With speed control deemed a vital component of the system, a point-to-point (P2P) automated speed enforcement system will be used to detect the speed limits in which the average speed between the points will be calculated.

Weigh stations will also be established along the expressway to inspect heavy vehicles. An electronic fine collection system will also be introduced under the project.

The entire system will be backed up by high-powered batteries to ensure it keeps operating optimally even in the event of any power breakdown.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2019.

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