UPDATE (20th November 2019): To help ease traffic load on the roads of Islamabad, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is replacing the conventional traffic signals installed on Kashmir Highway with a modern and smart signalling system. For now, the traffic signals from G-7 to G-11 on Kashmir Highway would be removed and replaced with a smart system, while the remaining major arteries in the city will have this system installed shortly.
These signals will work based on traffic load. The optical sensors installed in the signals will automatically alter the timings of the green and red lights according to the traffic’s volume. This will decrease the dependence on traffic police on Kashmir Highway and will help reduce traffic jams and ensure a smoother flow of traffic.
UPDATE (September 30, 2019): CDA is set to launch the CRIS App on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, as part of its plans to develop a ‘smart highway project.’ As per a news report published in a local English daily, “The mobile app is being introduced initially for a three-week trial period. During this period, this App would be tested and errors/bugs would be rectified in accordance with feedback of the commuters.”
The CDA’s CRIS Mobile App will be linked with traffic police and rescue services at 1122; it will also help commuters get information about travel time. There will also be a feature within the app showing traffic bottlenecks in real-time that would people plan their journey ahead. With the Variable Messaging Services (VMS), which will be installed at different locations of Islamabad Expressway all the way up to Karal Chowk, commuters will be informed about any untoward incident in advance.
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Although route planners are mostly used in technologically advanced and developed countries, Pakistan is also joining the ranks by launching a mobile app to serve the same purpose. In the beginning, the app will be launched for Islamabad only. All the necessary arrangements to launch the route planner app in Islamabad have been completed. Want to know more about the service? Read on to know how it will facilitate residents of the capital city.
All You Need to Know About the Route Planner in Islamabad
There were only a handful of vehicles on the roads of Islamabad when the city was officially made the federal capital of the country. This was mainly because of the fact that the city was less populated. Things changed drastically with every passing decade, and the increase in population — especially migration to urban centres — resulted in terrible traffic congestions, bearing a less-than-desired look on the otherwise wide roads and avenues of the capital city.
As of today, it is usual for the capital’s residents to suffer from traffic clogs whether they are commuting to their office, college, or any other destination. They often get delayed due to a gridlock-like situation on the roads, unable to do anything but suffer through the various bumper-to-bumper traffic jams in Islamabad.
There are two stakeholders when it comes to managing and ensuring a free flow of traffic in Islamabad: the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP). The ITP ensures that traffic violations are kept to a minimum, while the CDA is mandated to look after the road systems and come up with ways to upgrade them.
Although there have been significant developments in Islamabad such as the metro buses navigating through the city, there is a lot more to be done to provide a better quality of life and a better traffic system to residents.
Thankfully, the Chairman of the CDA has reviewed and finalised the prototype of a mobile app – Capital Roads Information System (CRIS) – to provide traffic-related updates and information to commuters travelling via the Islamabad Expressway. The app is part of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) introduced by the CDA.
Will the Route Planner Cover Entire Islamabad?
In the first phase, the app will only provide information about the Islamabad Expressway, from Zero Point to Rawat. Later, Kashmir Highway will also be included in the app. So, how will the Capital Roads Information System come to the aid of commuters in Islamabad? Well, let’s understand it with a practical example. Let’s say a person wants to travel from Blue Areato Saddar, Rawalpindi. If so, they would first check the route for any roadblocks or traffic congestions. If they find the road blocked at Peshawar Morr, they can go for an alternate route. And all this can be done via the best navigation app for Pakistan also known as Islamabad City App.
How Will the Route Planner in Islamabad Facilitate Residents?
Around 540 cameras have already been installed on the route, and a Traffic Control Center (TCC) has also been established. Initially, it was suggested that people would be provided access to the cameras so they could check the traffic situation on the roads and then opt for the route with the fewest blockages. However, it was later decided that only the police will have access to the cameras.
People who drive cars can get in touch with the Traffic Control Room through the app, and they can choose the clearest route before embarking on their journey. The CRIS app will also be linked with rescue services, traffic police, and rescue 1122 to make sure commuters can reach out to them easily and quickly in case of an emergency.
More About the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) on Islamabad Expressway
The CRIS app is part of the greater, modern transportation system named the ITS, launched by the CDA. This system comprises a comprehensive plan laid down by the CDA to ensure smooth traffic flow and road safety on Islamabad Expressway. Keeping a check on speed is of utmost importance to avoid road accidents and to monitor cars speeding beyond their limit, special surveillance cameras will be installed at an interval of 3 km.
These cameras will have the ability to pan an area, and zoom in to take a picture. The TCC will monitor these cameras via LED monitors to identify and predict bottlenecks.
The plan is aimed at reducing traffic congestions and improving road safety using the latest information related to incident management, strategic diversions, and road work. To manage the amount of information flowing to and from, bridges will be utilised to lay fiber optics across Islamabad Expressway to keep the system internally connected.
Ensuring Smooth Traffic Flow via The ITS
This advanced transportation system will also be equipped to classify and count the vehicles to manage the smooth flow of traffic, particularly during peak hours. Particular emphasis would be given to maintain a certain speed limit. An automated, point-to-point speed enforcement system will also be used to detect speed violations and to ensure smooth traffic management during rush hours.
It is important to mention here that the ITS will be implemented for the first time in the urban metropolis. Once this system is fully operational, it is expected that Islamabad will finally experience a smooth flow of traffic, lesser road accidents, increased road safety, and a considerable reduction in noise and air pollution.
Latest updates on smart traffic management system in Islamabad
In a recent news update, CDA has introduced Intelligent Traffic Management System on Islamabad Highway which would further be expanded to Kashmir Highway, Margalla Road and other major avenues of the city.
As a pilot project, ITS is introduced on Islamabad Highway where major thoroughfares including Margalla Road and Kashmir Highway would be linked with this system within the next six months to modernize traffic system in the capital city. Smart traffic lights will be used.
Through the ITS system on Islamabad Expressway, commuters would know about the time duration for their journey and the latest happenings on Islamabad Expressway. Electronic signage has already been installed at Islamabad Highway for this purpose.
So, are you looking forward to installing CRIS app in Islamabad once it is launched? Send us your feedback at blog@zameen.com and let us know what you think about this initiative by the government. Keep visiting Zameen Blog, the top lifestyle blog in Pakistan, for more information and updates about the latest happenings in Pakistan.
