National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced its upgraded policy for the implementation of advanced and future-focused Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Standards and Specifications 2023, with the objective of enhancing road safety and reducing incident response time. Leveraging the latest advancements in AI technology, this initiative aims to bolster road safety measures and digital enforcement on National Highways and Expressways.
NHAI’s latest standards, in line with contemporary needs, encompass upgraded hardware and software components. With the implementation of these significant changes, NHAI remains resolute in its commitment to constructing safer, more efficient, and accident-free highways, ensuring the well-being of all travellers nationwide.
ATMS Upgrades Include:
The enhancements include replacing previous VIDS cameras with the newly introduced Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System (VIDES) to emphasize the digital enforcement of traffic rules.
VIDES has capability to identify 14 distinct incidents including triple riding, helmet and seatbelt violations, wrong lane or direction driving, presence of animals on the highway, and pedestrian crossings.
Depending on the detected incident, VIDES will alert route patrol vehicles or ambulances, generate e-challans, relay alerts to nearby Variable Messaging Boards, or send notifications through ‘Rajmargyatra’ mobile app to nearby travellers.
For comprehensive coverage, these cameras are slated for installation every 10 km along National Highways, with state-of-the-art Command & Control Centres at every 100 km integrating various camera feeds.
Also, Vehicle Speed Detection System (VSDS) is now integrated into VIDES, optimizing use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
In addition, the Traffic Monitoring Camera System (TMCS) will also be upgraded. Positioned every 1 km on the National Highway, these cameras have been endowed with advanced capabilities like automated detection of accidents and stalled vehicles.
Strengthening collaboration with local traffic agencies, NHAI will allocate dedicated workstations in the Command & Control Centre for traffic police representatives. Moreover, provisions have been made to share camera feeds over the network to enhance real-time coordination and response.
ATMS deployment may also play an active role in disaster management by providing inputs for effective planning and implementation. It will also provide online sharing of highway status and other important information that will help both the agencies and the highway users.
The policy further includes provisions for the implementation of Digital Highways through the creation of integrated utility corridors along National Highways, facilitating the development of Optic Fibre Cables (OFC) infrastructure.
While the ATMS equipment will utilize OFC for communication with the Command & Control Centre, the policy also accommodates the potential for 5G-based communication in the future as coverage expands.
