CHANDIGARH: The UT administration has completed work on 30 out of 40 traffic signals equipped with Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) that automatically gives priority to the direction with heavy traffic while allowing maximum green signal once.
The positive development comes with some unpleasant news: batteries of integrated cameras installed on poles at three sites have been stolen along with their entire set.
The theft was reported at sector 24-25-37-38 roundabout, sector 23-24-36-37 roundabout and the roundabout located along the Sector 43 bus stand. All these three locations get huge traffic, especially from southern sectors and Mohali. The cost of stolen items at each junction is Rs 1 lakh, pegging the loss at Rs 3 lakh.
“It is quite surprising that such an incident happened on points from where huge traffic passes. Besides the batteries, the set has been stolen too. It had a lock. Extra precaution is needed. We may have to cage the area around the poles or nearby to keep the equipment safe and secure,” said sources. “We will also request the police to keep extra vigil on areas where the project is under way. Once the cameras are operational, such issues will hopefully not surface,” sources added.
At the same time, the status report on artificial intelligence (AI)-based ATCS was submitted by the administrator’s advisory council committee on transport to UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit on Friday.
“Out of 40 ATCS junctions, 30 have been completed……The work on ICCC building is in progress and is stipulated to be completed by December 31,” according to the report.
A senior official, who is part of this project, said the work is being carried out under the Smart City project, and at least 80 dynamic messaging sign screens along with security cameras were being installed at 40 traffic light junctions throughout Chandigarh.
