Now, get rewards for following traffic signals

Nagpur: If you jump the traffic signals, you are going to be punished. But what if you are rewarded for following those as a responsible citizen? Yes, it is soon going to be a reality in the next couple of months, thanks to a new system developed by a city-based start up , which was on display at the 108th Indian Science Congress exhibition.
A pilot project is being implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Nagpur Municipal Corporation on West High Court Road, which will be launched soon. The devices have already been installed at the signals and the company has vigorously tested it, according to Nilesh Kolharkar of Social-Impact Innovations Pvt. Limited. The project is funded by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
“Usually, the traffic violators are penalized, but we have observed that a majority of citizens follow rules. We have devised this system to recognize and appreciate such citizens. We are currently working on ten traffic signals on the West High Court on the stretch between Laxmi Nagar to Seminary Hills, where the pilot project was launched,” he said.
The company has fitted the radio frequency identification (RFID) devices on the signals. One tag would be provided to the citizens which would be fitted to their vehicles. Whenever the vehicle would pass through the traffic junctions, it would take note of whether the citizens followed the signals. Immediately 10 reward points would be credited in his account on a specially installed app named ‘Traffic Rewards’.
“We have tied up with over 80 international and local brands like KFC, Pizza Hut, PVR, Radisson Blu, Pharmeasy, and others where the reward points could be used. The users would be getting exclusive benefits. We want to create a positive culture instead of fear of punishment. We have been rigorously testing the devices for a long time.” Nilesh Kolharkar said.
The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Nagpur Municipal Corporation.