HYDERABAD: The problems facing motorists on the city roads are dime a dozen, worn-out and often dysfunctional traffic signals being part of them. The high fines for traffic violations have citizens questioning the timing of the move.
Many wonder as to how police can justify hefty fines without fully implementing the Hyderabad Traffic Integrated Management System (H-TRIMS) project and ensuring proper functioning of the signalling system. The H-TRIMS project, which was launched with much fanfare six months ago, promises to replace the decades-old signalling system at 221 junctions. While the old signals were not visible to motorists clearly, and their bulbs would stop working at the slightest of pretexts, be it rain, voltage fluctuation or power cuts, the new signals will sport more reliable LED lights and will also incorporate systems to improve junction management.
Six months down the line, the project is yet to deliver the promised gains even at junctions where new signals have been installed. While the new signals are being installed at a sufficient height to allow a clear view to motorists, the older poles and infrastructure are still in place obstructing view. “On the busy Begumpet main road, the Metro Rail pillars are obstructing new signals at many places,” P. Mohan Rao, a businessman, complains. There are also areas where the ‘green’ foliage obstructs view.
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Road markings, like stop lines and zebra markings, too, were supposed to come up when the new signal system was installed. However, due to bad roads and ‘inadvertent’ delays the new markings are nowhere to be seen. Police officers, on their part, maintain that the glitches will be rectified soon. “H-TRIMS project is going on as per schedule. We will be able to see junction improvements and other accompanying benefits from the project soon,” a senior police officer said.