Intelligent Transport Systems In India

 This report is derived from an extensive secondary literature survey of the intelligent transport systems (ITS) sector in India. The primary aim of the report is to set the context for understanding the current state and future evolution of the sector in the country. Briefly, the policy framework and institutional structure as well as the challenges and opportunities within the sectors are delineated. The author Dibyendu Sengupta is Transport Sector Specialist, European Business and Technology Centre.

The use of advanced technologies including information and communication technologies (ICT) or telematics, data collection and storage, navigation systems and others fall under the aegis of intelligent transport systems (ITS). The main aim of using such technologies in transport is to alleviate existing concerns including traffic congestion, air and noise pollution by enhancing data collection for addressing the transport-related concerns.

Over the past two decades, India has established itself as a leader in information technology (IT). However, the subsequent economic boom has also resulted in an exponential increase in motorisation, urban traffic congestion and deterioration of air quality in the Indian megacities. With a robust IT and telecom infrastructure in place, India stands to gain from the use of ITS to alleviate many transport related urban issues. Use of such technologies can be either at a vehicular or infrastructural level.

The US National ITS Architecture broadly categorises ITS technologies as follows:

•  Travel and Traffic Management
• Public Transportation Management
• Electronic Payment
• Commercial Vehicle Operations
• Emergency Management
• Advanced Vehicle Safety Systems
• Information Management
• Maintenance and Construction Management