The Times of India               09.10.2013

Nashik Municipal Corporation to install nine new traffic signals

NASHIK: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is planning to install nine new traffic signals on the main roads in the city before the forthcoming Kumbh mela. The solar operated signals are proposed to ease traffic congestion in parts of the city.

The proposed traffic signals will be put up in the next financial year 2014-15 and the provision of around Rs 1 crore would be made in the civic budget.

NMC officials said that as per the plan, three traffic signals will be put up on the busy Nashik Road, three in the central part of the city, two in Panchavati area and one in Cidco.

An official from the NMC's electricity department told TOI, "We have decided to put up nine new traffic signals across the city in view of the Kumbh mela scheduled in 2015. The traffic signals will be installed next year and will be operational before the commencement of Kumbh mela."

The official said, "All traffic signals will be solar operated so that they function even during power cuts. Moreover, all these proposed traffic signals will be fitted with Countdown Timer System that will help motorists to switch off their vehicles and start them few seconds before the signal turns green. This will not only reduce the pollution, but will also save fuel."

Currently, there are total 28 traffic signals across six divisions of NMC- three in Nashik Road, eight in Panchavati, 10 in Nashik west, four in Nashik east, two in Cidco and one in Satpur division. Of which, only three traffic signals are solar operated and rest run on electricity. The existing 25 traffic signals across the city, which are currently running on electricity, are to be made operational on solar. The civic administration has already floated a tender worth Rs 18.95 lakh for the purpose.