manoj

India's silicon valley is turning to technology to soothe its traffic woes. The Bangalore traffic police has tied up with service providers to provide people traffic information through a simple SMS.

Now Airtel users can send an SMS to 54321 and get updates on traffic jams, bus locations and even travel routes and time.

“We are aware of the traffic jams in the city. Therefore, we are working together with the government and the authorities to bring out a service that can enable you to find out more about the traffic jams and the road conditions so that you can plan your travel accordingly,” President- Services, Bharti Airtel Ltd, Sanjay Kapoor said.

The logic is simple. service providers have access to data about concentration of people. Based on the movement of people, they can determine the approximate number of vehicles on the road.

However, it is not just about mapping traffic in the city but to also ease the pressure on roads and the traffic police believe that the use of technology will help.

“The core of the B-Trac is intelligent transportation system. Intelligence driven management of traffic, and that's the way the world is going. Bangalore has to be in the forefront of implementing IT in all its sectors. Bangalore needs solutions which are technology driven and we are working on that,” Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), MN Reddi said.

Electronic billboards, SMSes on traffic jams and devices for traffic cops – the city sure is going hi-tech to deal with a problem that's growing every day. And the high penetration in the city will make this becomes a popular service. But its effectiveness in solving Bangalore's traffic problems will depend on how quickly the government can get other operators on board.

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streetwisw

Excellent idea to update drivers where they are likely to encounter problems and jams on the roads.
The only thing is the problem is almost everywhere. The Govt and the people have to be comitted to wanting to change. There is a very selfish attitude on the roads and total disregard for the other person.
Be it dumping rubbish on the roadside or parking inconsiderataly or driving with self as number one in mind.
Technology is good but it does not change attitudes. However, a positive step. Good work.