Putting ITS on the Fast Track

Chennai Smart City Limited is currently implementing a comprehensive Intelligent Transport System in Chennai city with support from multiple agencies. The project is being funded by JICA and the Government of Tamil Nadu. The pilot implementation of the project is in progress says Dr. G S Sameeran, Joint Commissioner (Works), Greater Chennai Municipal Corporation, in a conversation with Mangala Chandran

What were the parameters to identify the need of ITS solutions and what have been the guidelines for implementation?

Various ITS solutions have been implemented in the city such as Parking Management system, variable message sign boards providing traffic related information, e-challan system for traffic violating vehicles, electronic payment system for Chennai Metro, accident database, vehicle database through e-Vahan and so on.

Detailed study was conducted to identify suitable ITS sub systems for each ITS component to suit the Chennai Metropolitan area’s requirements. The components that were duplicated in the other projects were removed and other ITS components
were added based on gap analysis and field reconnaissance survey.

The areas where ITS is being implemented…

In Chennai Intelligent Transport System project, there are multiple agencies involved in implementing the project. The Chennai Intelligent Transport Systems is being implemented with loan assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project mainly consists of following systems viz., 1) Traffic Information and Management System and 2) City Bus System.

However, the envisaged improvements/benefits out of this ITS project are faster transportation, reduced congestion, accident reduction, increased usage of public transport. Further, the project would ensure a more efficient, safer, and more sustainable mobility in Chennai Metropolitan Area.

How has the implementation brought in the desired benefits?

The implementation of the Intelligent Transport System in Chennai is not a part of Smart City program. However, the project is being implemented as a convergence project by Chennai Smart City Limited. As the project is in implementation of the pilot stage, the desired benefits are yet to be realized.

To achieve the desired benefits, the following 8 strategies are being followed in this project:

1) Quantitative data collection, analysis, storage, and provision

2) Integration and utilization of data and information available in various sources

3) Centrally coordinated administrative structure to realize proper coordination

4) Proper decision making on urban transport

5) Proper traffic control and management

6) Proper road management

7) Traffic Demand Management

8) Efficient Public Transport Connectivity.

Traffic Information and Management System (TIMS):
S.No.	Sub-system	Quantity
1.	Chennai Traffic Information & Management – Command and Control Centre	1 location
2.	Adaptive Traffic Signal Control System	165 junctions
3.	Traffic Incident Detection System (TIDS)	58 locations
4.	Variable Message Sign System (VMS)	17 locations
5.	Speed Limit Violation System (SLVD)	10 locations
6.	Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD)	50 junctions
7.	Automatic Traffic Counters-cum-classifier (ATCC) System	115 locations
8.	Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) with probe system Platform and with required integrations	1 set

How will the technology be sourced and integrated?

Through international competitive bidding, state of the art technology has been proposed to be implemented for the project.

Integration Protocol will be based on standard API sharing basis with other projects across the Chennai Metropolitan area. For this purpose, necessary provision has been made with the help of consultation with various stakeholders during the design phase of the project.

How have various components of ITS been brought together?

All the systems have been integrated through ITMS platform designed specifically for Chennai city which includes, Traffic violation detection, Speed Violation detection and its enforcement as norms set by Chennai Traffic Police.

What are the plans, if any, for area wise parking facilities?

Greater Chennai Corporation has implemented On-street Smart Parking System in various zones in Chennai. The project has been implemented through Pubic Private Partnership (PPP) model. A service provider has been appointed to carry out parking management at the identified parking spaces. Further, a city level parking policy is being prepared for Chennai to address all parking related issues.

What do you feel are the main challenges Chennai is experiencing while implementing ITS?

The major challenges during the implementation of the project are construction of metro rail across the city and other large infrastructure projects in the city. The major construction activities have resulted either in closure of a particular section of the road or detouring of traffic. To overcome any such challenges, the phasing of the ITS project is designed in line with those construction activities.

What is Chennai doing to achieve gender equality in Mobility?

To ensure inclusivity and gender equality, Greater Chennai Corporation has formed a first of its kind “Gender and Policy Lab”. The broad objective of this initiative is to provide women with safe, comfortable and accessible public spaces. One of the pillars of the Gender and Policy lab is the emphasis on providing key inputs to enhance the existing infrastructure and transport services. It will also improve the perceptions of safety, and enable gender inclusivity in the city while applying gender lens on infrastructure design and public transport services.

City Bus system (CBS):
S.No.	Sub-system	Quantity
1	MTC Command and Control Centre	1 location
2	Bus Monitoring System / Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) system	3500 Buses
3	Passenger Information System	71 Terminals & 532 Bus shelters
4	Depot Management System	31 Depots