More bidders invited for Capitals’ traffic signal system

In both these metropolises,CMS and Keltron were the only two firms operating. “We want to encourage a level playing field and have a more competitive environment so that Delhi gets better facilities,” Joint Commissioner (Traffic) S N Shrivastava said.

The Delhi Traffic Police have also asked firms to provide an automatic fault monitoring system. The system should be in place within 15 days of the commencement of the contract. The firms have to provide an online real-time system of database for all signals and blinkers in their jurisdiction. “At present we come to know if a signal is not working only if somebody physically present at the spot informs us. We want to do away with this manual monitoring,” Shrivastava said.

The traffic police also plan to go for a stricter penalty system. If a signal does not work for at least 25 days in a month,the firm will be charged Rs 500 per signal. In case of a major fault,the firm will be given two days to rectify the damage; for a minor fault,the firm will have six hours.

If a traffic signal is not repaired within seven days,10 per cent of the firm’s fees will be deducted. Beyond a week,the fine will go up to 20 per cent. Previously,the firms were fined merely 5 percent.

Traffic signals in roundabouts
Soon GPO roundabout in Old Delhi will have a traffic signal. This will be the first step in a big change that the traffic police is planning for all the roundabouts in the city. The traffic police is planning to have red lights on each road converging at the roundabout.