The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved for Delhi the implementation of an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) at an estimated cost of ₹1,789.52 crore, including taxes.
The technology-driven project, to be implemented by the Delhi Police, aims to transform traffic management across the national capital by using real-time data, adaptive traffic signals, automated enforcement and integrated command-and-control infrastructure.
The project will cover 42 identified traffic corridors and is scheduled to be implemented in three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance.
Delhi’s Growing Traffic Challenge
Delhi has approximately 71 lakh active registered vehicles, with vehicle numbers increasing considerably faster than the expansion of road infrastructure. The pressure on existing roads has contributed to congestion, delays and increasingly complex traffic-management challenges.
At present, traffic regulation relies significantly on fixed signal timings and manual intervention. The proposed ITMS is designed to make better use of the existing road network by allowing traffic systems to respond dynamically to changing road conditions.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the Central Government and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to improve transport infrastructure, urban mobility and traffic management.
Smart Signals to Improve Traffic Flow
One of the key components of the project will be the deployment of Adaptive Traffic Control Systems. These systems will monitor prevailing traffic conditions and adjust signal timings accordingly.
Signals along selected corridors can also be coordinated to reduce unnecessary stops and improve traffic movement. By responding to actual traffic volumes rather than relying only on predetermined timings, the system is expected to help reduce avoidable delays.
The project will cover 1,092 adaptive traffic control locations, creating a technology-backed network for managing traffic across major corridors.
Faster Passage for Ambulances and Emergency Vehicles
The ITMS will also support priority movement for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
Through mechanisms such as green corridors and coordinated signals, emergency vehicles can receive priority at congested stretches. The objective is to reduce delays during critical journeys and enable faster movement through busy intersections.
Real-Time Detection of Accidents and Congestion
Another important feature will be real-time monitoring of traffic conditions. The system will help detect congestion, slow-moving traffic and road incidents, allowing Delhi Police to respond more quickly.
Traffic Command and Control Centres will bring traffic regulation, enforcement and information services onto a common platform. This integrated approach is intended to help authorities identify problems faster and take operational decisions based on live traffic information.
Automated Enforcement of Traffic Violations
The project will also strengthen technology-based traffic enforcement.
The ITMS will cover 1,029 enforcement locations and support automated identification of several violations, including red-light jumping, stop-line violations, speeding, wrong-way driving, riding without helmets, driving without seat belts, illegal parking and the use of mobile phones while driving.
AI-based analytics will further assist authorities in identifying stolen, hot-listed and blacklisted vehicles. The system is also expected to help detect repeat offenders and vehicles associated with hit-and-run incidents.
Better Information for Delhi Commuters
The project will provide commuters with more timely information about road conditions.
Variable Message Sign boards and digital platforms will be used to communicate information about congestion, diversions, parking availability and prevailing traffic conditions. Relevant information may also be shared with navigation service providers, allowing commuters to make more informed decisions about their routes.
This could help improve the predictability of journeys, particularly during periods of heavy congestion or traffic disruptions.
Integrated Traffic Management Infrastructure
The ITMS will establish an integrated technological framework supported by Traffic Command and Control Centres, a secure Data Centre and Disaster Recovery infrastructure.
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The system will follow open standards and APIs, allowing future expansion and integration with other technologies and platforms.
The project will be implemented through a Master System Integrator, which Delhi Police will select through competitive bidding. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will provide technical assistance as the Project Management Consultant.
Three-Phase Implementation
Implementation of the ITMS will be performance-driven. Each subsequent phase will begin after the previous phase is evaluated against prescribed testing, commissioning, acceptance and performance requirements.
The 24-month implementation period will be followed by five years of operation and maintenance, ensuring continued support for the technology and infrastructure.
The project is expected to complement ongoing investments in Delhi’s road and transport infrastructure by providing real-time intelligence and advanced technological tools to manage existing road capacity more efficiently.
With smarter signals, automated enforcement, emergency vehicle priority and real-time traffic monitoring, the initiative is aimed at creating smoother traffic movement, safer roads, quicker incident response and a more predictable travel experience for people travelling across the national capital.
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