The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) has finally made a move to purchase a server in order to complete the installation of an automated traffic system at four intersections.
The authorities failed to recover the stolen server of the 'Dhaka integrated traffic management project'.
Officials said the Planning Commission recently approved the special revision of a DTCA proposal for the purchase of a fresh server at the cost of taxpayers' money.
As the project partner Japan International Cooperation Agency rejected the DTCA's plea for a server, they said, the current move was made to complete the Tk 520.8-million scheme.
"We have to finish the project as necessary structures for installing intelligent transportation system (ITS) are already in place at four crossings," said project director Mohammad Rabiul Alam.
"So, a special revision of the project was placed for approval for a fresh purchase," he told the FE.
As the server would not cost much, Mr Alam said, the project cost would not be increased.
In September 2017, the DTCA piloted to introduce the ITS-based digital traffic signal system at Paltan, Fulbaria, Mohakhali and Gulshan-1 intersections.
It also planned to automate 20 more crossroads after successful execution of this project as the existing system here has long remained inoperative.
Official records showed ITS equipment like ultrasonic vehicle detector, vehicle image detector and CCTV were installed to count the volume of traffic and control signals automatically.
After the installation, Dhaka Metropolitan Police was supposed to take the control as traffic signals of four intersections would be connected to its control room.
DTCA officials said work on the installation of ITS equipment was done in November 2019, but no progress is yet in the case filed to recover the stolen server.
Sources, however, claimed many devices at these places were either misplaced or broken after a year for carrying out roadside work by other projects.
They said the Dhaka North City Corporation planned to convert Mohakhali intersection as a U-loop which might not feel the need of the ITS.
Sources said the Bangladesh Bridges Authority is also not allowing the DTCA to work on the site for unhindered work on Dhaka Elevated Expressway.
They have already instructed all concerned to remove all structures in and around Mohakhali flyover.
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