Chennai Corporation set to launch Intelligent Transport System in August

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will launch the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) in the city in August.

GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran said the project was a major step towards realising a safer, commuter-friendly city.

The project, being implemented with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is making significant progress towards transforming urban mobility across the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The project, estimated at ₹530 crore, aims to enhance traffic management, improve road safety, and provide better public transport services through the adoption of advanced intelligent transportation technologies, said an official.

The project comprises two components, the Traffic Information and Management System (TIMS) for the Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) and the City Bus System (CBS) for the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC).

Traffic signal

Under TIMS, advanced systems such as Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Systems, Traffic Incident Detection Systems, Variable Message Sign Boards, Red Light Violation Detection Systems, Speed Limit Violation Detection Systems, and Automatic Traffic Counter and Classifier Systems are being installed at strategic locations across the city, an official said.

These systems will facilitate real-time traffic monitoring, automated enforcement, and data-driven traffic management, resulting in smoother traffic flow and improved road safety. Significant progress has already been achieved under the Adaptive Traffic Signal Control System (ATCS), with installations completed at 101 junctions and successfully integrated with the temporary Traffic Control Centre of the GCTP. Installation and integration works are under way at the other locations, the official said.

The Red-Light Violation Detection System (RLVD) has been implemented at 25 locations, incorporating automated number plate recognition and challan generation to improve compliance with traffic regulations.

Speed limit detector

The Speed Limit Violation Detection System (SLVD) has been installed at three locations to monitor over-speeding vehicles and strengthen road safety enforcement. “We will install the system at seven locations shortly,” said an official.

Traffic Incident Detection Systems (TIDS) have been installed at 47 strategic flyover locations to facilitate real-time traffic monitoring, incident detection, and quicker emergency response. In addition, Variable Message Sign Boards (VMS) have been installed at three locations to provide commuters with real-time traffic updates, incident alerts, and alternative route information, said the official.

A modern Traffic Information and Management Centre (TIMC) is also being established at the GCTP Headquarters. The facility will serve as the city’s centralised traffic monitoring and control hub and is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026.

The CBS component includes the deployment of Automatic Vehicle Location Systems in 3,500 MTC buses, Passenger Information Systems at 616 bus stops and depots, and Depot Management Systems across 32 depots. These initiatives will enable real-time bus tracking, accurate arrival information for commuters, and improved efficiency in bus operations.

Implementation activities are progressing steadily across the city. Necessary permissions for communication network infrastructure have been facilitated by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the State Highways Department.

For locations where installation of equipment has been found technically infeasible, suitable alternate locations have been identified to ensure optimal project coverage and effective utilisation of the systems, said the official.

Power connections are being secured at project locations, while minor junction improvement works are also being carried out to support the deployment of intelligent traffic management infrastructure.