Delhi today got its first state-of-the-art operational control centre that will monitor the movement of vehicles in the capital, including those on the BRT corridor, to ensure their adherence to speed limits, routes and punctuality.

The operational control centre (OCC) is the nerve centre for the intelligent signalling system, automatic vehicle location system, automatic fare collection system, stage carriage operations including those on BRT and private stage carriage bus concession operations.

Set up by the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) Ltd, the OCC will keep a close watch on the movement of all vehicles, including public transport, and will ensure whether the GPS-fitted DTC buses adhere to speed limits, stop at all bus stops and maintain punctuality.

As far as the Bus Rapid Transit corridor is concerned, the high-resolution cameras installed along the route will provide real-time video feeds to enable monitoring of traffic flow apart from tracking the movement of buses.

Traffic violations like jumping a traffic signal can be monitored and the data will be trasferred to agencies concerned like the Traffic Police or Transport Department for possible action.

Inaugurating the OCC, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said the OCC houses a very sophisticated monitoring and control system for efficient management of traffic flow.

The facility is also likely to enhance the reliability, efficiency, overall service-quality and attractiveness of the road-based, eco-friendly bus network in the capital, she said.

Autos and taxis, which are fitted with Global Positoning System, can also be monitored at the OCC. The Transport Department has made it compulsory for autorickshaws in the capital to fit GPS to monitor their movements, but most of the vehicles are yet to be fitted with it.

The OCC will provide the kernel for real-time monitoring of stage carriage buses to ensure their adherence to performance benchmarks, speed limits, routes, bus stops, punctuality etc.

Dikshit exuded confidence that with commissioning of OCC, Delhi will witness the beginning of a new chapter in the functioning of its road-based public transport system.

The Intelligent Signalling System (ISS) being carried out at OCC would help in the efficient and smooth dispersal of vehicles by optimising signal timings based on radar-captured vehicle-volume data, she said.

Transport Minister Arvinder Singh said the OCC will help in the efficient management of traffic flow through the integration of various transportation technologies.

"The Centre will receive real-time video feeds from on-site CCTV cameras to enable monitoring of the traffic flow/incident management on the corridor and also allow for remote intervention with the traffic signal operations, if necessary," he said.

The OCC has hi-tech systems like Precision AC's, Modular UPS, VESDA and FM 200 fire detection and suppression systems, CCTV and Biometric Access Control.

Later, Dikshit also inaugurated Smart Card-based Driving License issue system at the Indraprastha depot. She also got her licence renewed through the new system.

She said the DIMTS has implemented the online learner licence test as well as the Sarathi software for issue of learner and driving licences in all 13 zonal offices.

Under the new system, the applicant's identity is re-verified through fingerprint matching before he is allowed to sit for the learner licence test.

The DIMTS is also involved in dispatching the smart card-based driving licence to the applicant's address.

The new system also allows applicants to fix an appointment in advance to visit any of the zonal offices and avoid waiting in the queue.

Apart from the on driving licences, DIMTS is assisting Transport Department, in the design, development, installation, operation, maintenance and management of the issue of smart card based PSV badges, a Transport Department release said.

These smart cards are embedded with a tamper-proof electronic chip and provide modern technological solution for issuing a whole range of driving licences as well as driver badges.