BEL in race to manage Delhi's traffic system

The project, estimated to be worth around Rs 120 crore, involves synchronisation of about 700 traffic junctions with the help of a new software developed by the company. BEL aims to use cameras at important locations for surveillance.

BEL, which has in the recent years, been focusing on the civilian market as part of its diversification efforts, has developed solar-powered LED (light emitting diode) traffic signals and vehicle-actuated traffic controllers that will help police divert traffic from more dense traffic junctions to junctions where the traffic is thin, according to company sources.

"We have submitted the expression of interest to participate in this prestigious project. In addition to Delhi, we have also made presentations for modernisation of Hyderabad's traffic management system and are awaiting their response," one of the sources said.

The company is in the pro­cess of implementing a pilot project in Bangalore, the first of its kind in the country, that involves optimised traffic movement on a real-time basis. To begin with, 160 traffic junctions are being monitored by BEL personnel from a centralised control room in Ashok Nagar police station. Based on the success of this project, the company will extend the system to the rest of the city.

In the second phase, BEL aims to implement Area Traffic Control (ATC) software in Bangalore which will drastically bring down human intervention in traffic management.

BEL's traffic signal system uses LEDs instead of the usual incandescent bulb and runs on solar power.

The LEDs fitted on a circular contraption is covered by a special plastic material that allows for better diffusion of light, ensuring that the traffic light works as good or better than an incandescent bulb, lasts longer.