Visakhapatnam is set to roll out project SARTHI, a comprehensive technology driven initiative intended to transform urban traffic management and ensure smooth vehicular flow across the city. The project name stands for Systematic Augmented Radial Traffic and Hoop Induction and blends advanced surveillance and control systems with proactive governance. The initiative aims to address congestion, improve safety and enhance commuter experience through data-driven interventions.

As part of the initiative tenders were invited for the installation of an Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) at 90 major junctions and for the integration of an Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) across 101 junctions, all of which will be connected to the city operation centre. Three reputed agencies participated in the tender process and qualified at the pre-qualification stage to proceed to demonstration trials. The demonstrations will be used to calibrate algorithms and assess interoperability with existing infrastructure.

Each agency has been allotted three strategic junctions to conduct proof of concept demonstrations that will showcase technical capabilities and system efficiency. A high level committee has been constituted to ensure transparent evaluation and comprises senior municipal and technical officials, including the GVMC Additional Commissioner for Finance SS Varma and chief engineers from GVMC and VMRDA among others. The committee reviewed technical presentations and system details submitted by the participating agencies.

Once the tender process is finalised the ATCS will be operational at 101 junctions enabling real-time adjustment of green signal timings based on live traffic density to reduce delays and improve flow, particularly during VIP movements, through centralised monitoring. An artificial intelligence enabled Integrated Traffic Management System will be installed at 90 junctions and will be equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras to identify violations and generate e-challans. The systems will also provide data analytics to guide long term traffic planning and support coordinated enforcement with the traffic police. Project SARTHI therefore represents a significant step towards Visakhapatnam becoming a smart, safe and commuter friendly city.