Metropolitan Police Commissioner Shankar Jiwal launched a groundbreaking initiative on Monday, aimed at effectively monitoring traffic congestion in Chennai through the use of Google Maps. This innovative project, developed in collaboration with IIT Chennai and a private company, seeks to enhance road safety and facilitate smoother traffic flow throughout the city.
Under this comprehensive plan, a live traffic monitoring program has been implemented, encompassing 300 junctions and 1000 roads across Chennai. By leveraging real-time data from Google Maps, immediate information regarding the traffic situation and congestion levels on these roads will be obtained. The Chennai Metropolitan Police Department has allocated a budget of Rs. 96 lakh per year to the partnering company, ensuring the seamless functioning of this traffic monitoring system.
The primary objective of this initiative is to enable efficient and proactive traffic management. When any area experiences higher-than-usual traffic congestion, relevant warning information will be promptly relayed to the respective police officer responsible for that region. Armed with this vital information, the officer on duty can swiftly implement alternative traffic arrangements to mitigate and alleviate the congestion. Moreover, the system will also facilitate the sharing of crucial updates on accidents, road obstructions, and ongoing construction projects, enabling better coordination among authorities.
Furthermore, this ambitious project aims to establish a comprehensive database of traffic congestion-related information. By gathering and analyzing this data, future transport plans can be formulated to address key traffic challenges and enhance overall urban mobility.
The inauguration ceremony of this pioneering project took place on Monday at the Chennai Metropolitan Police Commissioner`s office in Vepperi. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed officials, including Kapil Kumar C. Sarathkar, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic Division), Metropolitan Police, and Joint Commissioner N.M. Mayilvaganan. Deputy Commissioners P. Saravanan, Sakthivel, and Samaisingh Meena were also in attendance. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Shankar Jiwal, serving as a special guest, officially inaugurated the program.