28 August 2024
IT

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu highlighted that the "Central Software Platform Development Project for Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems" is an R&D project conducted in collaboration with the General Directorate of Highways (KGM), Türksat, and the Transport, Maritime, and Communications Research Center (UDHAM). He stated, “Once the project is operational, the architecture of the intelligent transportation system will be supported by Türksat satellites, ensuring seamless operations. This will enable system integration and interoperability, enhancing operational capabilities.”

The launch ceremony for the Central Software Platform Development Project for Cooperative and Intelligent Transportation Systems was held at the Halil Rıfat Paşa Conference Hall of the General Directorate of Highways. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Deputy Ministers Dr. Ömer Fatih Sayan, Enver İskurt, Durmuş Ünüvar, and Osman Boyraz, BTK Chairman Dr. Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu, Türksat Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. Kemal Yüksek, KGM General Manager Ahmet Gülşen, and UDHAM President Selami Yazıcı.

In his speech, Minister Uraloğlu emphasized that intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are integrated systems based on information and communication technologies, aimed at ensuring safer and more comfortable transportation, improving energy efficiency, and effectively managing transportation networks. He stated, “ITS contributes to the optimization of transportation infrastructure, enhances the quality of transportation services for users, increases travel safety, and promotes environmentally friendly transportation options. As the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, we are committed to expanding ITS across all transportation modes, including our highway network, to reduce travel times, improve traffic safety, optimize road capacities, and support energy efficiency for the benefit of the national economy. By equipping our highway infrastructure with smart and autonomous technologies, we are working to establish faster and safer roads.”

Uraloğlu emphasized the importance of producing high-tech systems and software domestically for the country's benefit.

Comprehensive Visual Integration

Minister Uraloğlu noted that as part of visual integration efforts at the Central ITS Center, live camera feeds from critical routes such as the Istanbul-İzmir Motorway, North Marmara Motorway, Menemen-Aliağa-Çandarlı Motorway, Ankara-Niğde Motorway, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Osmangazi Bridge, and 1915 Çanakkale Bridge can now be monitored. The system also integrates feeds from snow removal operations, highway inspection stations, and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet and July 15 Martyrs Bridges.

R&D Project Developed Under a Tripartite Protocol

Minister Uraloğlu explained that the Central Software Platform Development Project for Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems is an R&D initiative developed under a tripartite protocol between KGM, Türksat, and UDHAM. He added, “The project consists of three main components: field equipment, central equipment, and a central software platform. The pilot implementation will take place at the General Directorate of Highways, the 1st Regional Directorate in Istanbul, and the 13th Regional Directorate in Antalya. Once the central software platform is completed, it will be deployed across all regional directorates.”

The Minister announced the establishment of a Cooperative ITS Test and Implementation Corridor on a 30-kilometer stretch between Hasdal and Istanbul Airport as part of the pilot projects. He stated, “Data obtained from ITS systems will be transmitted to in-vehicle units, enabling vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. This will facilitate efficient and effective traffic management, reduce accidents, and provide real-time updates to drivers through ITS Centers. Additionally, advanced technologies such as 5G communication infrastructure will be tested within this corridor.”

“Controlled Through a Unified Software Platform”

The project will include new systems such as vehicle detection systems, access control systems, and license plate recognition systems for speed detection. “In the second pilot area, located in the Antalya Regional Directorate, a 30-kilometer corridor will connect all systems to the regional and general directorates via fiber optic cables. We will also implement the GLOSA service (Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory) at selected signalized intersections on the Antalya-Sandıklı route,” he said.

Minister Uraloğlu explained that all field systems will be managed and controlled through a unified software platform at the main ITS Center. “A mobile application will also be developed as part of this platform. The IT-based hardware supporting the central software platform will be installed in the system rooms of the General Directorate,” he added.

“We Will Ensure ITS Standardization”

Uraloğlu noted that Türksat has developed a national ITS architecture and software, unifying Intelligent Transportation Systems and Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems under a single IoT-based central software platform. He stated, “This will enable ITS standardization. Once operational, the architecture of the intelligent transportation system will be supported by Türksat satellites, ensuring uninterrupted functionality. This will also establish system integration and interoperability while enhancing operational capabilities. As part of the project, we will implement fiber and energy infrastructure for ITS and C-ITS systems in Antalya and Istanbul.”

The Minister added that the project aims to complete the software infrastructure and field installations by November 23, 2025, with an additional 12-month maintenance period, concluding on November 23, 2026.

Following Minister Uraloğlu’s speech, the protocol for the Central Software Platform Development Project for Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems was signed by Türksat Chairman of the Board Prof. Dr. Kemal Yüksek, KGM General Manager Ahmet Gülşen, and UDHAM President Selami Yazıcı.