Delhi to deploy AI traffic management across 42 corridors over 24 months

The Union cabinet has approved a Rs 1,789.52 crore Artificial Intelligence-based Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) for Delhi, covering 42 major traffic corridors in three phases over 24 months.

The system will introduce adaptive traffic signals, automated enforcement and real-time traffic information for commuters.

Delhi Police will appoint a Master System Integrator through competitive bidding, while the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will provide technical monitoring, scrutiny and acceptance as the Project Management Consultant, reported The Hindustan Times.

The system was initially planned for the Central Vista area before the Union Home Ministry considered expanding it to cover the city.

Under the approved plan, Adaptive Traffic Control Systems will be installed at 1,092 locations, while automated technology-driven enforcement systems will be deployed at 1,029 sites.

Unlike conventional fixed-timer signals, the adaptive system will continuously analyse live traffic volumes and adjust signal timings at junctions and rotaries.

The system is also expected to create priority green corridors for ambulances and emergency vehicles.

Commuters will receive live information on traffic bottlenecks, diversions and parking availability through Variable Message Sign boards and digital platforms.

Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project would integrate various existing traffic-management measures.

“With rapid urbanisation, Delhi has become a mega city—moving beyond the traditional classification of a metro. Several initiatives were taken earlier, but the objective now is to integrate all these so the entire system functions as one harmonised Intelligent Traffic Management System,” Vaishnaw said.

The enforcement component will use AI-driven cameras to detect traffic violations including red-light jumping, speeding, wrong-way driving, illegal parking and non-use of seatbelts or helmets.

AI analytics will also assist law-enforcement agencies in identifying stolen vehicles, repeat offenders and vehicles linked to hit-and-run incidents.

The project will cover the major arterial and sub-arterial road network through a selected set of 42 corridors.

Delhi Police had submitted a proposal for an AI-enabled ITMS to the Union home ministry in February.

Under the original phase-wise plan, the first phase involved five corridors and was to include 250 adaptive signal junctions and 271 enforcement points. The second phase was planned to add seven more corridors, 222 signalised junctions and 236 enforcement points.

The approved city-wide system is now being implemented across 42 major corridors over 24 months.

The project is aimed at improving traffic-flow management by using real-time data and automated enforcement across existing road infrastructure.