Road safety experts in the country have stressed on the need for urgent implementation of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) in India, one of the developing countries with a high risk of road accidents and fatalities due to ever-increasing traffic congestion.
“Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is globally proven system to optimize the utilization of existing transport infrastructure and improve transportation systems in terms of efficiency, quality, comfort and safety. The fast-growing field of intelligent transport systems (ITS) spans everything from freight transport and traffic management to in-vehicle services like driver alert.” Said Mr Balraj Bhanot , Chairman, BIS, Transportation Engineering Department, while speaking at a lecture on “Role of ITS in road safety” organised by International Road Federation -India Chapter (IRF-IC) .
“ITS is a method of improving road safety by providing drivers with real-time information about road conditions, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the road network during the journey. All necessary information related to traffic, unfortunate accidents, slope failures, soil conditions, and more is provided to drivers in real time before they begin their journey through a specific route – this not only improves safety measures but also reduces costs and saves time.” Said Mr Bhanot.
“Problems such as traffic congestion, road safety, global warming and environmental sustainability are forcing us to review our long-term plans for transport. Our aim must be to develop and improve the safety, security and effectiveness of the transportation systems where we can, building on the investments made in past decades. At the same time we must anticipate and be ready for the problems and challenges that are ahead. This is where ITS can play a vital part” said Mr Bhanot.
“In India roads are the main means of transport, therefore safe and sustainable road infrastructure is vital for economic prosperity. The best way to improve road safety in the country is to use intelligent transport system technology. ITS can be crucial, especially in the winter period as initial hazard warnings can be displayed on public information websites and interactive maps and mobile applications. Hence, an intelligent transport system can play a pivotal role in keeping travelers informed about traffic conditions, which will substantially improve road safety and lead to a reduction in energy-related carbon dioxide (C02) emissions.” Said Mr K K Kapila, President Emeritus , International Road Federation (IRF) while speaking on the occasion.
“Country with highest number of fatal road accidents in the world will benefit tremendously from taking a systematic approach to developing and implementing an intelligent transport system. Detailed market research and early planning for intelligent transport system deployment on roads will not only prevent unnecessary delay and avoid the risk of selecting an inappropriate technology. It will also help the government save thousands of lives on the roads.” Said Mr Kapila.
Thodse present on the occasion included Mr Rajesh Sahni , GM, Rosmeta Technologies, Jehan Kotwal, founder, Humsafar, MR Sachin Bhatia, CEO, Metro Infrasys, Amit Kumar sr Director Mkt, Netradyne and Mr Akhilesh Srivastava, VP, IRF.
