Centre Approves Chennai Intelligent Transport System

The Centre approved over ₹500 crore on 25 June 2026 for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. The project has an estimated value of about ₹645.59 crore and is funded through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Centre. The contract for ₹530 crore was signed with L&T on 31 March 2023, and JICA approved it on 6 June 2023.

Project Components

The ITS for Chennai includes adaptive traffic signal control at 165 junctions, a traffic incident detection system at 58 locations, a variable message sign system at 17 places, and a red light violation detection system at 50 junctions. The system also includes junction improvements, camera installation, and signal replacement at selected intersections.

Implementation Status

As of 6 March 2026, civil work for junction improvements had been completed at 104 of the 165 identified junctions. The Greater Chennai Corporation expected full operation of the ITS by August 2026. A pilot project began in January 2024 at 17 locations.

Traffic Management in Chennai

In January 2026, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police expanded adaptive traffic signals at key junctions in Chennai. These signals use real-time data to adjust signal timings at intersections.

Important Facts for Exams

• Intelligent Transport System is a technology-based traffic management system used in urban transport networks.
• JICA stands for Japan International Cooperation Agency.
• Chennai Smart City Limited is implementing the project as a convergence project with support from multiple agencies.
• Variable message signs are used to display traffic alerts and route information at road locations.

The project is linked to faster transportation, reduced congestion, and accident reduction in the Chennai Metropolitan Area. Adaptive traffic signal control is planned at 165 junctions in the city.