Stark contract
CS asks traffic department to make effective use of technology
NAVVNEET DUBEY
Jammu: In a stark contrast, the functioning of cameras installed under electronic traffic enforcement systems in Jammu have generated Rs 41.46 crore through 416703 challans, while Srinagar’s system, operational since December 2024 has recorded only Rs 1.66 crore in revenue from 15295 challans. The figures were revealed during the performance review of Jammu and Kashmir’s electronic traffic enforcement systems, which together comprised 1,380 cameras across the twin cities. 648 cameras remain non-functional in Srinagar owing to licence issues, while 21 sites in Jammu have been closed owing to road widening.
These figures were placed before senior officers from Police, Transport and Housing and Urban Development during a high-level administrative review held today. Inspector General of Traffic M Suleman Choudhary informed the meeting that Jammu’s ITMS continues to operate smoothly, whereas Srinagar’s network has been disrupted after expiry of the system licence. The deliberations also noted the state of the Intelligent Traffic Light System, where twenty-one out of sixty-four sites in Jammu have been closed owing to road widening, while Srinagar has fifty-seven functional sites out of sixty-six.
Expressing concern over the underutilisation of the Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) and Intelligent Traffic Light System (ITLS), Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directed the traffic department on Sunday to make effective use of the technology in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar. He said these systems were introduced to modernise traffic management through minimal human intervention and improve efficiency in enforcing traffic regulations.
Emphasising the need for optimal utilisation of intelligent traffic systems, Dulloo directed the traffic department to make effective use of the ITMS and ITLS in Jammu and Srinagar. He expressed concern over the underutilisation of these systems, stating that it defeats the very purpose for which such advanced infrastructure was created.
The chief secretary called upon the departments concerned to ensure immediate restoration, upgrade and full operationalisation of the ITMS and ITLS to provide seamless and citizen-friendly traffic movement. Taking note of the functioning of cameras and traffic lights installed in both cities, he directed for the repair, replacement and reinstallation of faulty hardware so that the system functions optimally and consistently.
Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, stated that a Detailed Project Report worth Rs 1.88 crore has been completed for full restoration and modernisation of all ITLS junctions. She added that the government intends to make every ITMS and ITLS junction functional by December 2025. The administration also discussed extending Rural ITMS to major district intersections in Anantnag, Baramulla, Kathua, Udhampur, Samba and other areas to ensure uninterrupted electronic regulation even as highway construction continues.
