This time the traffic in the port city will be controlled by artificial intelligence or ‘AI’ controlled traffic system. For this purpose, a development project proposal (DPP) of Tk 217 crore 33 lakh has been prepared by the Chittagong City Corporation (CHSIC). This modern initiative has been taken to eliminate the city’s long-standing traffic congestion problem and restore order on the roads. At present, the traffic system is controlled mainly by hand signals and whistles. Most of the roads have no functioning signal lights. As a result, many accidents often occur while working in this manual or traditional method. Besides, there are complaints of severe traffic congestion and violation of traffic laws. Those concerned are hoping that if the AI traffic system is introduced, as order will return on the roads, the suffering of the common people will also be reduced.
Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said that there is no alternative to modern technology to make Chittagong an environment-friendly, safe and smart city. As this system is fully AI-based, any vehicle violating traffic laws can be detected automatically. As a result, the traffic management of the entire city will come to an integrated digital platform, which will reduce traffic congestion and restore order on the roads. The mayor also said that this is still a preliminary DPP. Opinions and recommendations of all concerned service agencies including police administration, BRTS will be included in it before final approval.
According to project information, 56 important intersections and busy traffic zones of the city will be brought under modern technology under this initiative of Chasik. Automatic smart signal system and traffic flow monitoring will be installed at these places. Violation detection cameras and red signal detectors. Automatic number plate recognition technology. A central control system or central command center.
According to City Corporation’s prospective project data, there are a total of 196 intersections and 32 U-turns in Chittagong city. In the first phase, 53 places have been identified for monitoring through smart traffic signals. Chasik’s plan is not just to install signal lights; A preliminary estimate of possible costs has been made by determining the road network, type of intersections, congested areas and suitable locations for surveillance cameras. GEC, Gate No. 2, Muradpur, Bahaddarhat, Wasa, Lalkhan Bazar, Tigerpass, Station Road, Kadmatoli, Oxygen, AK Khan, Faujdarhat, City Gate, Agrabad, Badamtali, Barrick Building, New Market, Custom House, CEPZ Gate, Halishahar Bazar, Kaptai Road Head, Kalurghat, Chawkbazar, have been kept as important junctions in the city for smart signal project. Andarkilla, Jamalkhan, CRB, DC Hill and Kazi Deuri Mor.
Earlier, a project was implemented at a cost of about 2 crore rupees in 6 years from 2010 to 2015 for the development of traffic system under the initiative of Chasik. But since the project was done without coordination with the traffic department of Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), the traffic department did not use those signal lights. As a result, due to lack of coordination, the entire money of that project was wasted. However, with this new integrated AI project, it is expected that the city dwellers will get a modern traffic system, leaving behind all the problems of the past.
