Soon, Mumbaikars to get traffic jam, pothole updates via android phones

Sources from the traffic police claim that this will be a first-of-its-kind technology in the state.

“We are making a lot of efforts to inform citizens in advance about any traffic congestion or other problems on roads so that they can avoid taking those routes and make some alternative plans,” said Vivek Phansalkar, joint commissioner of police, traffic.

The sources said that as of now, the traffic police is working on updating their website every hour. “Efforts are on to create a page on the website where we can warn motorists if any road in the city is experiencing heavy or moderate traffic jams. Colour coding will be used to differentiate levels of congestion. A map uploaded on the website will display the congested areas,” said a traffic police officer.

The next plan is to give updates through mobile phones. “We are trying to tie up with some experts who will design a software that will be able to answer traffic-related queries. For example, if a person is travelling from Cadel Road and sends a text message to the given number, s/he will get information on the problems on the road concerned and receive suggestions on alternative routes,” said the officer.