JOIN USThe Area Traffic Control System (ATCS), now being proposed to be introduced in the City by the year-end, is part of the Bengaluru Traffic Improvement Project (B-Trac). Here is a look at this project, introduced by Karnataka for the first time in the country in 2010 for the overall development of the traffic scene in Bengaluru.
The state government had initially earmarked Rs 350 crore for the five-year programme and released Rs 44 crore, Rs 35 crore, Rs 40 crore and Rs 175 crore, respectively in the first four years. The Karnataka Road Development Corporation (KRDCL) is the implementing agency of the works under B-Trac.
The city police say they used funds under the project to undertake various programmes over the last few years. The department built a Traffic Management Centre (TMC) and a traffic training institute in Thanisandra, besides upgrading technology in routine work, recalls former City Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari, in whose tenure the B-Trac project was kicked off.
Junction improvements and upgradation of signals are the key developments of B-Trac. Many new cameras were added to the city, while the number of CCTV cameras went up marginally. Enforcement cameras were procured and given to the ground force. All these measures sharply increased the fine amount collected, says B Dayananda, who headed the Bengaluru City traffic wing in the past.
The police have established how technology can inculcate a sense of discipline among road-users with the help of B-Trac. The surveillance cameras, enforcement cameras and CCTV cameras have not only generated more revenue through penalties, but have also ensured discipline, say the police.
Road users have realised that the police can book them for violations with the help of technology. There is increased awareness among the public that they are under the scanner. This, says former Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic, MA Saleem, has resulted in the motorists exhibiting better road and lane discipline.
The police say there are still many areas that need to be properly covered. Many outlying areas were added to the City and two new divisions were created in 2010. It is high time the topbrass include those areas for the implementation of B-Trac schemes. Proper maintenance of cameras and upgraded signals remains a major challenge for the law enforcers.
The department has installed 20 variable message signboards, 336 traffic signals, more than 30,000 road-side signages, used reflective thermoplastic road markings, 175 surveillance cameras, five enforcement cameras and completed six junction improvement projects under B Trac.