New Tech Enhancements Boost Road Safety in India
The Indian government is ramping up road safety measures with the implementation of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. This legislation, which came into effect in August 2019, mandates the installation of electronic monitoring systems on major highways and urban areas. Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has updated its Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to further enhance road safety and incident response times.
Legislative Framework for Road Safety
Enacted in August 2019, the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act aims to improve road safety across India. It allows for the installation of electronic monitoring systems on National Highways, State Highways, and urban roads in cities with populations exceeding specified limits. In August 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways published rules to facilitate electronic monitoring and enforcement of road safety, particularly in high-risk and high-density areas. The term “electronic enforcement device” encompasses a range of technologies, including speed cameras, closed-circuit television cameras, speed guns, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, among others.
Advanced Traffic Management System Implementation
The NHAI has implemented the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) on several high-traffic corridors, including the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. This system incorporates various electronic enforcement devices designed to quickly identify incidents on highways, thereby enhancing the efficiency of on-site assistance. The ATMS not only monitors traffic flow but also improves response times during emergencies, making highways safer for all users.
Recent Updates to ATMS Standards
On October 10, 2023, the NHAI revised its standard ATMS documentation, detailing the functional and technical specifications of the system and its subsystems, such as the Video Surveillance System and AI-based Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System (VIDES). The updated document includes provisions for enabling API-based e-challans by enforcement agencies through VIDES, integration with the Rajmarg Yatra and NHAI One platforms, and live camera feeds to NHAI offices and enforcement agencies. These enhancements are expected to streamline operations and improve overall road safety.
Future Projects and Ongoing Implementation
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety, the installation of ATMS is now a standard requirement for new highway projects on high-density and high-speed corridors. Additionally, existing important corridors are being retrofitted with ATMS as standalone projects. This proactive approach aims to create a safer driving environment across the country. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, provided this information in a written response to the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving road safety through technology.
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