Additional Rs 42.31 Crore Sanctioned for Automation of 221 Traffic Signals

The jinxed Hyderabad Traffic Integrated Management System (HTRIMS) project meant to modernise 221 traffic signals in the twin cities is expected to pick up soon as the State Government accorded fresh administrative sanction of Rs 42.31 crore as additional funds towards its implementation.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in association with the Hyderabad Traffic Police has proposed the advanced traffic signaling system called HTRIMS more than two years ago. The project comprises design, site preparation, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance and operation of traffic signals in the GHMC and it was envisaged for a period of five years from the date of commissioning of HTRIMS project with a tentative cost of Rs 25 crore.

As many as  221 signal junctions will be automated and centrally controlled for smooth flow of traffic. The state government entered into an agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) .

Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) accorded the permission after examining the proposal of the Commissioner, GHMC and after consulting with Finance  Department.

In August 2012, Government issued orders to the GHMC according administrative sanction for Rs 33.54 crore under non-plan as additional funds in relaxation of treasury control.

In September  2012, GHMC Commissioner in a letter to the government informed that certain modifications were required for GHMC to claim the grants and requested the Government to issue revised orders with suitable amendments, to the orders already issued in 2012, so as to enable the Corporation to claim the grant sanctioned of Rs 33.54 crores on the said project.

The GHMC has requested to re-appropriate the administrative sanction accorded for Rs 33.54 crore for the BE-2013-14 and to accord for Rs 8.77 crore for the expenditure contemplated in 2013-14 for the HTRIMS Project or to accord fresh administrative sanction for Rs 42.31 crore and release the amount at the earliest for smooth commissioning of the project as the HTRIMS project is a prestigious project taken up by the government.