How Data Analytics Can Transform Transport, Traffic Management, and Town Planning

According to Ranjana Kamiya, Manager Operations, Traffic Logix, the implementation of radar signs and speed cameras provides proactive measures to tackle over speeding and bolster road safety, ultimately paving the path towards safer roadways.

I take pride in being part of this safety initiative aimed at preventing over speeding accidents in India. Our objective is to instigate societal changes that prioritize safeguarding human life through effective solutions.”

Ranjana Kamiya, Traffic Logix

 

Key applications of data analytics in road safety include:

• Accident Investigation: Utilising data to pinpoint collision hotspots and speeding violations, leading to targeted safety measures.
• Policy Formulation: Assisting policymakers (national, regional, local) in designing comprehensive road safety plans through automated traffic data analysis.
• Infrastructure Optimization: Data informs the redesign of road infrastructure, incorporating elements like bike lanes, traffic calming measures, and improved pedestrian crossings.
• Awareness and Enforcement: In locations like Tapukara and Greater Noida, radar signs from Traffic Logix have been instrumental in reducing speeding, simultaneously collecting data to enhance public awareness.
• Road Maintenance: Analytics identify road damage, aiding authorities in prioritising repairs. For instance, in Portland, Oregon, the collaboration with Rapid Flow utilises AI to reduce pedestrian accidents by optimising traffic conditions through smart communication between intersections and vehicles.

We have conducted traffic surveys with Video Based Automatic Traffic Counter and Classifier (ATCC) for NHAI and IHMCL in various states including Maharashtra and Gujarat. These surveys collected traffic data on various National Highways across the country. This data has resulted in decisions for new greenfield access controlled highways like Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar.”

Neetu Kishore, Vaaan Infra

 

Coordinating Emergency Responses

The evolution of smart cities is leading to the increased adoption of advanced technologies like GPS, drones, and thermal imaging by various agencies. This technological integration enhances the interconnectedness of smart cities, facilitating seamless data sharing and significantly improving emergency response times.

A prime example of this application is in ambulance services, where data analytics is utilised to improve response times, manage demand, allocate routes and resources efficiently, and assess service quality and efficiency.

Traffic congestion often poses a significant challenge in emergency situations. Therefore, it’s crucial for first responders to have real-time access to critical information, including traffic conditions, accident locations, and weather updates. This real-time data enables them to select the most efficient routes, ensuring timely and effective response to emergencies.

“Data analytics allow for dynamic scheduling adjustments in response to unexpected events like accidents, road closures, or special events, ensuring timely service,” adds Neetu Kishore, Managing Director, Vaaan Infra.

Yogesh Wani, points out that data on vehicular speed can prove to be beneficial. “As urban planners can get to know the average speed of the vehicle passing through the road. Based on that, they can actually calculate how much time each vehicle is spending on this stretch of the road and so how much carbon emission probably is generated.”

Neetu Kishore stresses on how environmental monitoring can play a key role in urban centres. “Our solutions can include sensors and cameras for monitoring air quality, noise levels, and other environmental factors to support sustainable urban transport planning.”

Insights from this data allow urban planners to promote and plan for sustainable transportation modes, such as paths for walking or cycling. City planners can also encourage commuters to opt for public transportation. By leveraging data on passenger behaviour and peak travel times, they can further improve these modes of transport.