The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has recently launched several indigenous systems under Intelligent Transportation System Endeavor Phase-II (InTranSE -II). These new systems include the Onboard Driver Assistance and Warning System (ODAWS), Bus Signal Priority System, and Common SMart IoT (Internet of Things) Connectivity (CoSMiC) software.
Intelligent Transportation Systems Endeavor for Indian Cities
Intelligent Transportation System(ITS) is a state-of-the-art technology designed to improve traffic efficiency. It aims to make better use of infrastructure, minimize traffic problems, provide users with prior traffic information, and reduce travel time. An additional feature of this system is its ability to detect accidents and ensure that an ambulance reaches the scene within 10-15 minutes. MeitY has collaborated with top academic institutions and premier R&D centers to bring about significant transformations in ITS.
Explanation on ODAWS
ODAWS incorporates vehicle sensors that monitor the driver’s behaviour and the vehicle’s surroundings, providing auditory and visual alerts to assist the driver. The system includes sub-modules such as a navigational unit, driver assistance console, and Millimetre Wave RADAR (mmWave radar) sensor, which is valuable for object detection and data collection. The system’s algorithm interprets the sensor data and provides real-time notifications for safety enhancement.
Understanding the Bus Signal Priority System
This system modifies normal traffic signal operations to accommodate public buses at signal-controlled intersections. Unlike traditional priorities given to emergency vehicles, this system offers a conditional priority that reduces delay for all vehicles. It minimizes person delay by providing priority to public transport buses through green extension or red truncation.
CoSMiC: Middleware Software
CoSMiC is a middleware software that adheres to the oneM2M (Machine -To Machine) based global standard. It facilitates users and service providers in using open standards and interfaces for end-to-end communication while complying with the oneM2M standard. It also interfaces vendor-specific standards and increases interoperability with the smart city dashboard.
Other Government Initiatives to Control Road Accidents
The government has undertaken several initiatives to curb road accidents. These include identifying and rectifying black spots or accident-prone spots on national highways, carrying out Road Safety Audits at all stages of highway projects, and providing facilities for persons with disabilities. Further, provisions have been made for ambulances at toll plazas on national highways, and a scheme for granting an award to help accident victims has been announced.