INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM- A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Phenomenal growth in road traffic and vehicle population coupled with inadequate arterial road network has stretched the capacity of the arterial system almost to the limit. Any significant augmentation of capacity in near future does not appear very bright due to shortage of funds. Economic growth has brought about spurt in vehicle ownership, which together with fast pace of urbanization has created tremendous growth in urban traffic. The increasing traffic on city roads has created congestion along urban roads, which is leading to increase in vehicle operating costs, delays, air and noise pollution. The traffic congestion is, to a great extent, responsible for the increased accident rates. The relief from traffic congestion through the construction of highways has only been temporary, because new commercial and residential growth follows the path of the project. The traditional solution has been lo construct more and larger highways. However, due to the high financial, social, and environmental costs of such projects, that is no longer seen as a viable option. Several solutions have emerged to solve this problem, but the concept of "Intelligent Transportation system" appears to be the most attractive one. In this paper historical and theoretical background of ITS, technology and potentials of ITS technologies, Inter-disciplinary Programs of ITS (ATIS, AVCS, ATMS, CVO, APTS, ARTS) and possible applications of ITS in India are discussed.