Variable Message System – The Applicability

May 24, 2010

Mr. Makkimane Ramu

Variable message system is actually “Advance Traveler’s Information System”

The concession agreement condition specifies, that the concessionaire should made available “Variable Message” as detailed below:

“Variable message signs shall be provided at minimum of six locations to guide and forewarn the users of the traffic and weather condition on highways. These messages can be varied from the control centers based on data received through surveillance system, highway patrolling censors etc. the locations shall be decided for their maximum utilities to the users”

Although in the concession agreement it is termed as “Variable message” it commonly known as “Advance traveler’s information Systems “in other parts of the world

In this connection I would like state that in any contract the concessionaire has about 65 km length of road in his control

Hence how he can give provide desired information which should include the following

Pre-trip travel information
En route driver information
Route guidance
Traffic control information
Smooth and uninterrupted traffic flow
Enhance road safety
Real time information and guidance to users
Emergency assistance round the clock
Alerts for abnormal road and weather conditions
Reduced journey time and inconvenience

Some of the typical messages to be displayed are indicated below:

Accident Ahead, Road Closed, Take Diversion;
Accident Ahead’ followed by some typical messages like Expect Delays’, Merge Right’, Merge Left’, ‘All Traffic Exit’ can be displayed.
Maximum Speed:—————kmph
Construction Work, Road Closed;
Signal Ahead;
Sharp Curve Ahead;
Congestion Ahead;
Bad weather conditions like ‘Heave Fog Ahead’, ‘Poor Visibility Ahead;
Trucks use Left Lane;
Watch for Stopped Traffic;
Watch your speed;
Watch for Falling Rocks: (In the case of landslide prone areas);
Two lane bi-directional carriageways);
No Mobile When Mobile; etc

Hence it is necessary the concessionaire should be able to share information with adjacent Projects to inform the user actual happenings which will help them to any immediate action.

At the present any Concessionaire has only about 65 KM of project. Any information generated within the project length is of little us to the user as thereafter there may be some hazards which the user will never know

In the event if the concessionaire shares “sensors” & related information with other concessionaires (adjacent) than the “variable Message” displayed will be of real use not only the road user but also the every Concessionaire as the “overloaded” trucks can easily be caught

M S V Ramu
Profession – Contracts Manager
E-mail : [email protected]