Maharashtra Speeds Up Samruddhi Mahamarg Safety Upgrade

₹1,700-Crore ITMS Project Moves into Major Camera Installation Phase

Maharashtra is moving ahead with a major technology upgrade on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, with nearly 4,000 artificial intelligence-enabled cameras being installed as part of the state’s ₹1,700-crore Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) project.

The initiative is designed to make travel safer, improve traffic enforcement and help authorities respond more quickly to accidents and emergencies on the state’s longest access-controlled expressway.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is implementing the project. Around ₹450 crore has reportedly been allocated by the state government so far.

AI Cameras to Detect 17 Types of Traffic Violations

The new AI-powered cameras will automatically monitor traffic and identify 17 categories of violations. These include speeding, using mobile phones while driving, unauthorized parking, vehicle overloading, not wearing seat belts and improper lane discipline.

The technology is expected to reduce dependence on manual traffic monitoring while giving authorities better visibility across the expressway.

With automated detection, officials can identify violations more efficiently and take appropriate action under traffic rules.

Camera Installation Begins from Nagpur Side

Camera installation has started after more than a year of preparatory work involving optical fiber and electrical cables, along with the installation of gantries needed to support the surveillance equipment.

The work is being completed in phases. The first section covers about 250 kilometers from the Nagpur side and is expected to be completed within around two months.

After the first stretch is finished, installation will continue along the next sections of the expressway. Officials have said the project is receiving high priority as Maharashtra works to make the advanced traffic management system operational as soon as possible.

ITMS Expected to Strengthen Road Safety

The Intelligent Traffic Management System is being developed as a technology-based solution to improve road safety and traffic management on the Samruddhi Mahamarg.

The AI surveillance network will help authorities monitor traffic conditions, identify incidents and provide faster support during emergencies. It is also expected to strengthen enforcement of traffic regulations and improve overall highway management.

The system will provide authorities with real-time information that can help them respond more effectively when accidents, breakdowns or other incidents occur.

Expanded Surveillance to Improve Highway Security

The new camera network is also expected to improve security along the expressway. Recent concerns following robbery incidents at some locations have increased the need for stronger surveillance and monitoring.

With thousands of cameras covering different sections of the highway, authorities are expected to gain better visibility of traffic and activities on vulnerable stretches.

The expanded surveillance infrastructure can also support investigations and help officials monitor unusual activity more effectively.

Traffic Management Centers to Monitor the Expressway

The ITMS will be supported by a network of dedicated traffic management centers. The planned setup includes an Integrated Traffic Management Centre at Amne in Thane, seven Regional Traffic Management Centers positioned at approximately 100-kilometer intervals and two Tunnel Traffic Management Centers.

Together, these facilities will help coordinate traffic monitoring, incident response, emergency services and highway operations.

₹1,700-Crore Project Aims for Smarter Highway Management

The ITMS project was awarded in July 2024 to a consortium led by NCC Ltd. While implementation experienced delays, the latest camera installation work indicates that the project has now entered an important execution stage.

Once fully operational, the system is expected to bring advanced AI-based monitoring to the Samruddhi Mahamarg and create a safer, more responsive and better-managed travel experience for motorists across Maharashtra.