Advancing Intelligent Transportation System in India

1. COVER STORY Advancing Intelligent Transportation System in India: A Comprehensive Review of the Advancing Intelligent Transportation System in India: A Comprehensive Review of the Latest NHAI ATMS Policy (2023) Latest NHAI ATMS Policy (2023) Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) emerge as a critical catalyst for reshaping the landscape of transportation. This article, authored by Akhilesh Srivastava, CEO of ITS India Forum, critically reviews the recently introduced NHAI ATMS Policy (2023), shedding light on its transformative potential and addressing key aspects of technological evolution, safety enhancement, and collaborative initiatives. 36 TrafficInfraTech / November-December 2023 / www.trafficinfratech.com

2. COVER STORY I Consider the bustling streets of Mumbai or Delhi, where traffic congestion is a daily challenge. ITS dynamically adjusts traffic signals and offers alternative routes, significantly enhancing traffic flow and reducing congestion. The success story of Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system stands as a testament to the effectiveness of dynamic congestion pricing in managing traffic flow. ntegration of cutting-edge technologies within ITS presents a myriad of advantages that extend far beyond simple traffic management: lauded for its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a pioneering example of efficient public transportation facilitated by ITS. Reduced Environmental Impact: ITS plays a crucial role in reducing emissions and fuel consumption by optimizing traffic flow and promoting efficient transport modes. The experience of Stockholm, Sweden, implementing a congestion charging system showcases how ITS can contribute to a greener environment by reducing traffic-related emissions. Reduced Traffic Congestion: Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) in ITS Improved Safety: ITS incorporates features like collision avoidance systems, real-time road hazard alerts, and electronic braking, contributing to safer roads. The implementation of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication in European countries has shown a significant reduction in accidents, demonstrating the potential of ITS to enhance road safety. Within the intricate ITS ecosystem, Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) emerge as the linchpin, actively steering traffic flow and optimizing network performance. Some real-world examples further underscore the impact of ATMS: Reduced Traffic Congestion: Los Angeles, notorious for its traffic congestion, implemented an ATMS that dynamically adjusts traffic signal timings based on real-time conditions. The result was a noticeable reduction in travel times and improved overall network efficiency. Energy Efficiency: Optimizing public transportation schedules, streamlining freight and providing real-time parking information contribute to increased efficiency. Curitiba, Brazil, is often logistics, 37 www.trafficinfratech.com / November-December 2023 / TrafficInfraTech

3. COVER STORY An illustrative example is the integration of adaptive traffic signal control systems, allowing for real-time adjustments based on traffic conditions. Enhanced Decision provides valuable data insights to transportation authorities, enabling informed decisions about infrastructure improvements, policy changes, and future planning. The success of London’s congestion charging scheme is attributed to data-driven decision-making, significantly reducing traffic in the city center. Data-Driven Making: ATMS The latest NHAI ATMS policy marks a commendable shift towards modernization, safety enhancement, and technology integration. The real-world examples and case studies presented demonstrate the potential impact of ITS and ATMS on traffic management, safety, and sustainability. Enhanced Road Safety: The policy prioritizes incident response and collision prevention through real-time traffic monitoring. Case studies from countries like Japan, where the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in traffic management has significantly reduced accident rates, showcase the potential impact on road safety. Latest NHAI ATMS Policy (2023 Given the developments going on in the realm of ITS worldwide, NHAI timely came up with a new NHAI ATMS Policy (2023). This policy represents a strategic commitment to technological enhancing safety measures, and fostering future adaptability. Digital Integration and automated systems for strengthened enforcement is a key aspect. The success of London’s congestion charging system, through automated camera systems, exemplifies the efficacy of digital enforcement in promoting compliance and reducing traffic violations. Enforcement: with cameras traffic law harnessing advancements, enforced Enhanced Safety: The ATMS deployed in Melbourne, Australia, employs real-time incident detection and rapid response mechanisms. This has significantly contributed to a safer driving environment, with a notable decrease in the severity of accidents. The notable features of the policy include: Focus on upgrading Standards: Recognizing the importance of staying abreast of modern technological requirements, the policy emphasizes upgrading equipment and Openness Advancements: acknowledgment technologies like 5G and the to Future The newer of software. Improved Impact: comprehensive ATMS includes measures to mitigate congestion, resulting in lower emissions and fuel consumption. This illustrates how effective traffic management can align with environmental sustainability goals. Environmental Singapore’s Increased Economic Productivity: In the United States, the implementation of ATMS in cities like Seattle and San Francisco has led to shorter travel times and greater reliability. Commuters spend less time in transit, leading to improved economic productivity for individuals and businesses. 38 TrafficInfraTech / November-December 2023 / www.trafficinfratech.com

4. COVER STORY Feature Old Policy Basic traffic monitoring and data collection Limited focus on incident response and prevention Reliance on manual patrolling and limited camera systems Limited flexibility for future technology integration Primarily NHAI-driven implementation Lacks clear outlines for data handling and protection Limited consideration for cost- efficiency in implementation and maintenance Minimal focus on training for personnel and stakeholders Lacks initiatives to inform the public about ATMS functionalities Does not explicitly address the needs of diverse user groups Latest Policy (2023) Upgraded infrastructure and integration with advanced technologies like 5G Prioritizes real-time monitoring, incident detection, and dynamic traffic management for improved safety Emphasizes digital enforcement through automated systems and integration with cameras Open to incorporating newer technologies like 5G and leaving room for future advancements Encourages collaboration between NHAI, technology providers, and research institutions Emphasizes data privacy and security protocols for traffic data collection, storage, and utilization Technology Focus Road Safety Measures Traffic Law Enforcement Future Adaptability Collaboration Focus Data Privacy and Security Focuses on balancing technological advancements with cost- effective deployment and maintenance Cost-Effectiveness Training and Capacity Building Public Awareness and Transparency Inclusiveness and Accessibility Prioritizes training programs for NHAI personnel and stakeholders to ensure system expertise Aims to increase public awareness through communication campaigns and transparency measures Considers the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and differently- abled individuals for equal access to the system provision for future integrations highlight the forward-looking approach of the policy. The implementation of 5G-enabled Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication in South Korea serves as an example of how future advancements can enhance the capabilities of ATMS. Focus on Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between NHAI, technology providers, and research institutions is a pivotal aspect of the policy. The collaborative initiatives undertaken in the Netherlands, where public and private stakeholders work together to implement smart transportation solutions, provide insights into the potential benefits of collaborative efforts. 39 www.trafficinfratech.com / November-December 2023 / TrafficInfraTech

5. COVER STORY Comparison of Old and Latest NHAI ATMS Policy While the old policy had a limited focus on incident response and prevention, the latest policy prioritizes real- time monitoring, incident detection, and dynamic traffic management. This signifies a crucial shift toward a proactive approach to ensuring road safety. limited flexibility for future technology Conversely, policy embraces openness to incorporating newer technologies indicating a commitment to future advancements and adaptability. integration. the latest To understand better, I tried comparison between the old and latest NHAI ATMS policies unveiling a few notable shifts and improvements: like 5G, Collaboration Focus: The collaborative aspect of the policies has undergone a notable transformation. While the old policy was primarily NHAI-driven, the latest policy actively encourages collaboration between NHAI, technology providers, and research institutions, reflecting a more inclusive and synergistic approach. Technology The old policy primarily centered around basic traffic monitoring and data collection. In contrast, the latest policy underscores the importance of upgrading infrastructure and integrating advanced technologies like 5G, reflecting a paradigm shift in technological focus. Focus: Traffic Law Enforcement: The transition from manual patrolling and limited camera systems in the old policy to a focus on digital enforcement through automated systems and camera integration in the latest policy represents a significant evolution in traffic law enforcement. Future The old policy exhibited Adaptability: Road Safety Measures: 40 TrafficInfraTech / November-December 2023 / www.trafficinfratech.com

6. COVER STORY integrated, provides a blueprint for ensuring equal access to the transportation system. Though the latest NHAI ATMS policy marks a commendable shift towards modernization, safety enhancement and technology integration, the challenges persists and addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring the sustainable implementation, public acceptance, and long- term benefits of the upgraded ATMS systems. The continuous evaluation of the policy’s impact on traffic flow, congestion, emissions, economic productivity, and environmental considerations is paramount. As we navigate the path toward a smarter, safer, and more sustainable transportation ecosystem, the latest NHAI ATMS policy sets the stage for a transformative journey. Its success will lie not only in the implementation of its technological advancements but also in the collaborative, transparent, and inclusive approach envisioned for the future of intelligent transportation in India. The coming years will reveal the true efficacy of these policies as we witness the tangible impact on the ground and the realization of a visionary and integrated transportation system. Points for Potential Improvement Training Building: Comprehensive training programs for NHAI personnel and stakeholders should be prioritized to build technical expertise. The establishment of training academies, as seen in Singapore for smart city professionals, can serve as a model for capacity building within the ITS ecosystem. and Capacity While applauding the positive strides made in the latest NHAI ATMS policy, it is crucial to address areas for potential improvement: Data Privacy and Security: Strengthening protocols for the collection, storage, and utilization of traffic data is imperative. The implementation of robust data privacy and security measures, akin to those adopted in countries like Germany, ensures the ethical handling of sensitive information. Public Transparency: Increasing public awareness about the benefits and functionalities of the upgraded ATMS is essential for garnering public acceptance. Transparency measures, such as those employed in New York’s Vision Zero initiative, can enhance public trust and understanding. Awareness and C o s t - E f f e c t i v e n e s s Implementation: technological advancements are crucial, ensuring cost-effective deployment and maintenance is equally vital. Learning from the experiences of cities like Barcelona, where cost-effective smart city solutions have been implemented, can offer insights into achieving a balance between technological innovation and financial sustainability. While Akhilesh Srivastava is a globally renowned Digital Transformation Leader. He has successfully led many e-governance projects in India, like FASTag, the e-Tender portal, e-MB, the first online dispute resolution portal of India ODR, and the digital transformation of NHAI. He is leading the International Road Federation (IC) Road Safety Initiative and heads the World Economic Forum’s initiative Road Safety 2.0. He is also CEO of ITS India Forum and Chairman of Bitumen India Forum. Inclusiveness and Accessibility: Considering the needs of diverse user groups, including pedestrians, cyclists, and differently-abled individuals, is imperative. The implementation of inclusive transportation solutions in cities like Copenhagen, where cycling infrastructure is seamlessly 41 www.trafficinfratech.com / November-December 2023 / TrafficInfraTech