Disaster Management

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced an updated policy to enhance road safety and reduce response times to incidents on the nation’s highways and expressways. This initiative leverages the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and focuses on digital enforcement of traffic regulations. As part of these improvements, the previous VIDS cameras are being replaced with the newly developed Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System (VIDES). VIDES is equipped to identify 14 distinct incidents, including violations such as triple riding, not wearing helmets or seatbelts, driving in the wrong lane or direction, the presence of animals on the road, and pedestrian crossings. Depending on the detected incident, VIDES will trigger responses such as notifying route patrol vehicles or ambulances, generating electronic traffic violation fines (e-challans), relaying alerts to nearby Variable Messaging Boards, or sending notifications through the ‘Rajmargyatra’ mobile app to nearby travelers. To ensure comprehensive coverage, these cameras will be installed approximately every 10 kilometers along the national highways, with advanced Command & Control Centers every 100 kilometers that integrate feeds from various cameras. The Vehicle Speed Detection System (VSDS) is now integrated into VIDES, optimizing the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Additionally, the Traffic Monitoring Camera System (TMCS) positioned every 1 kilometer on the national highways is being enhanced with capabilities such as automated accident detection and identifying stalled vehicles. NHAI is strengthening collaboration with local traffic agencies by providing dedicated workstations for traffic police representatives in the Command & Control Centers, facilitating real-time coordination and response through network sharing of camera feeds. The deployment of Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) is expected to contribute to disaster management by offering valuable input for effective planning and implementation. It will also enable the online sharing of highway status and other crucial information, benefiting both the agencies and highway users. The policy also includes provisions for developing integrated utility corridors along the national highways to establish Optic Fiber Cables (OFC) infrastructure. While the ATMS equipment will initially use OFC for communication with the Command & Control Centers, the policy also anticipates future integration of 5G-based communication tools as 5G coverage expands.