Shimla, September 30
In about three months from now, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation may deliver a system that promises safer travel and more efficient service. This is part of a Rs 6.9-crore intelligent transport system (ITS) project under the Centrally funded modernisation scheme.

The board of directors of the corporation has approved the proposal to install the vehicle tracking system (VTS) based on the global positioning system (GPS) on 1,000 buses in the first phase to cover all long-route services.

The project will be implemented by Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (IL&FS) over a period of three months. It will also maintain the system for the next five years.

The cost of the project will be shared equally by the HRTC and the Government of India. The VTS will be installed in 2,000 buses in all, with 1,000 buses to be covered in the second phase.

The satellite-based GPS will send real-time information about the location and speed of the vehicle to a central server, which will be integrated with the passenger information system (PIS), to be installed on 17 bus stands in the first phase. Under the project, 60 bus stands are to be provided the PIS.

The real-time information about the location and arrival of buses will be displayed on LCD screens. The information can also be accessed through the Internet.

Apart from a central control unit, monitoring centres will be set up in every depot. A service centre each will be set up in Hamirpur, Mandi and Dharamsala in addition to the one already functioning in Shimla.

The ITS will improve passenger safety, which has been a major concern, as it will be possible to monitor vehicle speed. In case a driver consistently exceeds the prescribed speed limit, an SMS will be sent to the controlling officer.

The analysis of the data generated through the ITS will enable the HRTC to ascertain whether drivers are adhering to speed limits and plying services as per timetable.