Delhi’s AI Traffic Revolution

Delhi is set to undergo a transformative shift in how its roads are managed, with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approving the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) project at a cost of ₹1,789.52 crore ( ~ $1.87 billion USD). This ambitious initiative, to be implemented by Delhi Police, promises safer, smoother, and more efficient travel across the capital’s busiest corridors.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved implementation of the ITMS Project by Delhi Police at an estimated cost of Rs.1,789.52 crore, inclusive of taxes. The project will cover 42 identified traffic corridors and will be implemented in three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance.

C-DAC will provide technical support as Project Management Consultant, including technical scrutiny, monitoring, validation and acceptance during implementation and operation and maintenance.

One Network, Smarter Traffic: Delhi’s Leap into Real-Time Traffic Management

Designed on open standards and APIs, the system ensures seamless future integration and scalability. Covering 1,092 adaptive traffic control systems and 1,029 enforcement points, the rollout will be strictly performance‑driven, with each phase contingent on successful evaluation of the preceding stage against defined testing, commissioning, and acceptance benchmarks. The Delhi Police will oversee implementation through a competitively selected Master System Integrator.

The Vision Behind ITMS

Delhi’s traffic woes are no secret. With nearly 71 lakh registered vehicles and road expansion lagging behind vehicular growth, congestion has become a daily struggle. Traditional fixed signal timings and manual regulation are no longer sufficient. The ITMS aims to change this by introducing AI-enabled adaptive traffic signals, automated enforcement, and real-time traffic intelligence.

The project will cover 42 identified traffic corridors and will be implemented in three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance.

Key Benefits for Citizens

• Smarter signals: Adaptive Traffic Control Systems will adjust signal timings dynamically, reducing unnecessary stoppages and delays.
• Priority for ambulances: Emergency vehicles will benefit from green corridors, ensuring faster passage through congested stretches.
• Quicker response: Real-time detection of congestion and accidents will allow Delhi Police to respond swiftly with diversions and operational measures.
• Commuter information: Variable Message Sign boards and digital platforms will provide live updates on congestion, diversions, parking availability, and traffic conditions.
• Automated enforcement: AI-powered systems will detect violations such as speeding, red-light jumping, helmet/seatbelt non-use, and illegal parking. They will also help track stolen or blacklisted vehicles.

Integrated City-Wide Management

The ITMS will unify regulation, enforcement, and information dissemination through Traffic Command and Control Centres, backed by secure data infrastructure. With 1,092 adaptive traffic control systems and 1,029 enforcement locations, the project will be rolled out in phases, each evaluated against strict performance benchmarks.
Delhi Police will lead the implementation, supported by C-DAC as the Project Management Consultant, ensuring technical scrutiny, monitoring, and validation.

A Step Toward Smarter Mobility

By leveraging technology and real-time intelligence, ITMS will complement ongoing infrastructure projects, making Delhi’s roads safer and more predictable. Citizens can expect smoother traffic flow, faster emergency responses, and consistent enforcement — a major step toward modern urban mobility.

Several Indian cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Surat, and Visakhapatnam, along with global leaders such as Singapore, Barcelona, London, and Los Angeles, have already deployed intelligent traffic management systems using AI, IoT, and adaptive signals to reduce congestion and improve safety.

Bengaluru has implemented AI-driven signal control (“BelTrak”) that integrates with Google Maps data and sensors to predict congestion and adjust cycles in real time. Pune has large-scale deployment of adaptive traffic lights reduces average wait times by ~25%. Surat has an AI-powered optimization of bus rapid transit in place and city bus systems improved punctuality by 10% and reduced delays by 12%.

Singapore's GLIDE system synchronizes signals island-wide, reducing delays and fuel consumption. Stockholm: MaaS integrates public transit, e-bikes, and car-sharing into one platform, cutting transport emissions by 43%.Amsterdam's Smart signals stalled due to privacy concerns, highlighting the importance of data governance. Barcelona has Smart streetlights and AI-enhanced signals cut electricity use by 30% and reduced congestion by 15% in pilot corridors.

Nagpur & Mumbai have AI/ML-powered Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) cut travel times by up to 48% and reduced accident fatalities by 73%.

Indian cities face hurdles with heterogeneous traffic and inconsistent connectivity. Moreover, Costs & maintenance is an another challenge where in High upfront investment and long-term O&M requirements demand PPP models and phased deployment.