It is a first-of-its kind in the country. But, the first vehicle-actuated Wireless Traffic Control (Wi-TraC) system functioning in Vellayambalam Junction needs some kind of manual support for a foolproof performance.
Currently, a traffic policeman and a home guard are deployed to control the traffic at the busy junction. Wi-TraC is a government-supported research project of C-DAC. The project has the backing of Keltron. Wi-TraC is said to have advantages over conventional traffic controllers in terms of functional features, energy efficiency and size.
When asked about the need for the deployment of Traffic Police, Traffic Assistant Commissioner Rajmohan said that it was not the inefficiency of the Wi-TraC system, but the non-cooperation of motorists to follow instructions that was the problem at the junction.
“From our experience, introduction of Wi-TraC system has brought about lot of change to the traffic congestion at the junction. The volume of traffic at the junction has exceeded the limit. Policemen are deployed so that the motorists would follow the traffic instructions,” he said. Rajmohan added that more such signals are needed along the many stretches in the city. He expressed the hope that the policemen could be withdrawn from the junction once everything was on track.
Project engineer of Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) K Madhavan Pillai said that the junction was in need of a flyover considering the volume of traffic. “But, the Government could not afford a flyover owing to financial crunch. During rush hour, when schools open and close, or a VIP visit or a procession, intervention of Traffic Police is needed to control the system,” he said.
Pillai added that the Wi-TraC was an experimental research project.
As per the original plan of City Roads Improvement Project (CRIP), a signal junction without the roundabout was envisaged at the Vellayambalam Junction. However, it faced a roadblock when a group protested against the removal of the statue of Ayyankali at the island.