*Takes stock of VVP-II implementation
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 23: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation and status of electronic enforcement systems for road safety across J&K, with an aim to enhance traffic management and ensure greater ease for the public.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD); Inspector General of Police (Traffic); Secretary, Transport; Transport Commissioner; and other concerned senior officers.
Emphasising the need for optimal utilisation of intelligent traffic systems, the Chief Secretary directed the Traffic Department to make effective use of the Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) and Intelligent Traffic Light System (ITLS) in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar.
He observed that these systems were introduced to modernise traffic management through minimal human intervention and improve efficiency in enforcement of traffic regulations.
He expressed concern over the underutilisation of these systems, stating that it defeats the very purpose for which such advanced infrastructure was created. The Chief Secretary called upon the concerned departments to ensure immediate restoration, upgradation and full operationalisation of ITMS and ITLS to provide seamless and citizen-friendly traffic movement.
Taking note of the functioning of cameras and traffic lights installed in both cities, the Chief Secretary directed repair, replacement and reinstallation of faulty hardware so that the system functions optimally and consistently.
Regarding Rural ITMS, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of extending electronic traffic management to key junctions in districts such as Anantnag, Baramulla, Kathua, Udhampur, Samba and other districts.
He noted that such systems can significantly improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance safety at critical intersections, even as highway construction continues simultaneously without causing major hindrance to system functionality.
Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur informed the meeting that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to Rs 1.88 cr has been prepared for complete restoration and modernisation of all existing ITLS junctions. She further stated that all ITLS and ITMS junctions are targeted to be made fully functional by December 2025.
With respect to its present status, the IG Traffic, M. Suleman Choudhary apprised that ITMS in Jammu and Srinagar was made operational in 2024, with 552 cameras installed at 44 junctions in Jammu and 828 cameras at 68 junctions in Srinagar. However, he informed that services in Srinagar were affected due to expiry of the system license.
On ITLS functioning, it was revealed that out of 64 sites in Jammu, 21 were closed due to widening and expansion of roads, while in Srinagar, out of 66 sites, 5 were closed and 57 are currently functioning properly.
The meeting was further informed that traffic rule enforcement is being jointly carried out by the Motor Vehicles Department and the Police, with the Judiciary acting as the appellate authority.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting to assess the progress and implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme – Phase II (VVP-II) acros Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting, attended by the ACS Planning, ACS APD; Secretary Tribal Affairs; concerned DCs and other senior officers of concerned departments, focused on accelerating development interventions in strategically located border villages.
The Chief Secretary underscored the urgent need to complete comprehensive surveys to identify gaps in core components such as road connectivity, telecom services, television access and electricity supply in the identified villages.
He directed the departments to undertake detailed theme-wise gap analysis and expedite the formulation of individual Village Action Plans aimed at saturating these areas with essential infrastructure and services. He further called for the designation of dedicated nodal officers for each component to ensure focused monitoring and timely execution.
Emphasising a whole-of-government approach, the Chief Secretary urged departments of IT, Health and Education to proactively identify deficiencies within their respective domains and initiate corrective interventions. He also stressed close coordination with BSNL and Prasar Bharati to strengthen telecom and television connectivity, while directing the concerned departments to prepare structured roadmaps for coverage of all thematic areas under their Village Action Plans.
ACS Planning, Ashish Chander Verma, informed the meeting that VVP-II is a centrally funded initiative with a national outlay of Rs 6,839 crore for the period 2024-25 to 2028-29. The programme aims to transform strategically important border villages into prosperous, sustainable and secure communities.
The Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, apprised the meeting that a comprehensive roadmap has been prepared for J&K under which 124 strategic villages across 43 border blocks in 8 districts have been selected for focused development.
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