CDA to introduce ‘smart signals’ on Kashmir Highway for smooth traffic flow

Islamabad :The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is all set to introduce ‘smart signals’ on the Kashmir Highway with the objective to maintain a smooth traffic flow.

At present there are six conventional traffic signals working on the Kashmir Highway, starting from the Serena T-intersection, the 7th Avenue intersection, the T-intersection at G-9, the T-intersection at G-10, the T-intersection at Police Line and the G-11-H-11 intersection.

The spokesperson for the CDA said that the work on replacement of conventional traffic signals with smart signal system at Kashmir Highway will commence shortly as the bids called for the execution of work have been opened.

“Initially, existing traffic signals from G-7 to G-11 Kashmir Highway, including junction of Kashmir Highway at 7th Avenue, G-9, G-10, H-11 and G-11 are being replaced with smart system which will help ensure smooth and automated traffic control on the highway,” he said.

“These smart signals will be equipped with optical sensors which change the timings of the green and red lights based on the traffic volume on either side.”

“These signals will visually process the amount of vehicles and the timing will be altered automatically, thus decreasing the need for physical intervention for traffic control and will facilitate thousands of commuters using this Highway,” the CDA spokesperson said.

However, it was not made clear as to why the most important Serena T-Intersection traffic signal has not been included in this project. Similarly, it was not clear as to what will be the strategy to deal with a situation arising out of ‘VVIP movement culture’, which have scaled down a bit but not have been done away with completely yet.

The spokesperson said that the CDA, in line with efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow on the roads of the city has taken several steps, which not only include up-gradation and expansion of road infrastructure but has also introduced technology based initiatives.

He said that the Replacement of conventional traffic signals with the smart system is continuation of the steps leading towards automation. After fulfilling necessary formalities CDA issued tenders of the project last month and in this connection bids were received which were opened during the previous week. According to the CDA sources the project will cost Rs. 2.48 million and will be completed within one month time.

“Kashmir Highway is the first one major artery to get these ‘smart signals’ for traffic flow. However, gradually all major avenues will have smart signal system according to the plan that has already been finalized,” the CDA spokesperson.

Meanwhile, those travelling up and down the Islamabad Expressway, from T-chowk near Rawat on GT Road to the ‘Korang Nullah’, which has become the biggest ‘bottleneck’ in traffic flow, are still waiting for the CDA to start work on the PWD Underpass and the expansion of ‘Korang Nullah’ bridge to mitigate their sufferings.