Nagpur: A lack of coordination between the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Nagpur Traffic Police has cast serious doubts over the effectiveness of the city’s Rs 197 crore Intelligent and Integrated Traffic Management System (IITMS). While NMC officials claim that Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven traffic signals are operational at nine out of ten pilot junctions, the city police have denied receiving access to the system altogether.

The high-tech project, implemented by Kerala-based system integrator Keltron, aims to modernize traffic control through AI-powered signals, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, and a centralized Command and Control Centre at Civil Lines. Social media has been abuzz with reports that the system has gone live and begun issuing e-challans, but authorities offer conflicting updates.

Rajendra Rathore, Executive Engineer of NMC’s Electrical Department, confirmed that nine of the ten pilot junctions are active and under surveillance. “The system is currently being monitored at the Command and Control Centre. Once all ten junctions are integrated, the mechanism will be extended citywide,” he said. However, Rathore clarified that e-challans have not yet been issued, as enforcement will begin only after full integration.

Contrary to this, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Madhuri Bawiskar stated that the traffic police have not received operational control or system access. “Until the entire system is functional and officially handed over, we cannot begin enforcement,” she said.

The IITMS project promises smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion, but the evident disconnect between civic authorities and law enforcement has led to uncertainty. With no clear timeline for full implementation and operational handover, commuters remain skeptical about whether this smart initiative will deliver on its promises or become another stalled urban project.