T’puram: Nearly 50 smart city traffic signals in the capital are operating without annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) for the past four years, leaving backup batteries and other critical components in poor condition and raising concerns over reliability of city’s Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS).Corporation sources told TOI that the AMCs for the signal systems and associated equipment have not been renewed since the initial maintenance period ended. In the absence of periodic servicing, backup batteries have deteriorated, while other electronic components requiring routine inspection and replacement have also been affected.Smart city traffic signal network was designed to optimize traffic flow by automatically adjusting signal timings based on vehicle density and synchronizing junctions through a centralized system. However, the lack of preventive maintenance has raised concerns over whether the system is functioning to its full potential.The signals are installed at several of city’s busiest junctions, including PMG, Statue, East Fort, Thampanoor, Kesavadasapuram, Pattom, Ulloor, Medical College, Sreekaryam and Kazhakkoottam. Officials said failures at these intersections often require immediate attention to prevent traffic congestion.Sources said maintenance is now largely confined to attending faults after they are reported rather than carrying out scheduled preventive servicing. The absence of AMCs has also delayed the timely replacement of consumables such as batteries, increasing the risk of equipment failures, and affecting the efficiency of traffic management system.Traffic police officials acknowledged that malfunctioning signals have occasionally contributed to road accidents, though they maintained that such incidents are relatively few. Assistant commissioner of police (traffic) R Suresh said most road accidents continue to be caused by rash and drunk driving. “Signal malfunctions have been a contributing factor only in a limited number of cases,” he said.Officials said intelligent traffic systems require continuous maintenance to ensure uninterrupted communication between field equipment and the central control system. Any lapse in servicing can affect the performance of the network, particularly during peak traffic hours when signal coordination is critical.The delay in renewing the maintenance contracts has also raised questions about the long-term upkeep of smart city infrastructure after project implementation. Corporation officials are yet to indicate when fresh AMCs will be awarded or how much funding will be required to restore the system to optimal conditions.
