AI-driven traffic signals go live at 3 junctions, pilot rollout by June 15
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) began partial operations of its much-delayed pilot under the Rs197-crore Intelligent and Integrated Traffic Management System (IITMS), with smart signals now functioning at three out of 10 selected intersections — Laxmi Nagar, Deekshabhoomi, and Shraddhanandpeth.
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These are being operated on a trial basis and signal the beginning of the transition to an AI-driven traffic regime in the city.
NMC electrical department executive engineer Rajendra Rathore confirmed that signal and system installations are underway with civil and cabling works nearly completed. "About 90% of the IT components and controller boxes are in place," he said. The civic body now aims to complete installation and software integration at all 10 pilot junctions by June 10.
The operations will be monitored from the central Command and Control Centre at Civil Lines.
Kerala-based system integrator Keltron is implementing the project in collaboration with Nagpur police. Selected junctions include Alankar Talkies, Kachipura, Bajaj Nagar, Abhyankar Nagar, Ajit Bakery T-point, LAD Square, Laxmi Nagar, Deekshabhoomi, and two more. Also, part of the pilot includes few of the planned 25 speed radars and LED-based variable messaging signboards to deliver live traffic updates.
Already, messages have gone viral on social media warning commuters that the system is live and will capture real-time violations — including red-light jumping, stopping on zebra crossings, wrong-side driving, and riding without helmets. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will generate e-challans instantly.
Once fully operational, the AI-based system is expected to reduce travel time by up to 48% and increase vehicle speed by over 60%, replacing the city's 171 conventional signals with adaptive technology by 2026.
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