Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) by IIT-Madras
Context:
Researchers at IIT-Madras have developed a fully indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS).
Developed by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC).
Built according to specifications of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoSPW).
Deployment
System is operational at the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), Kerala.
Two major ports on the western coast are in discussions to adopt it.
System is primarily for merchant vessels, but can also be used for:
Naval ships
Small coastal vessels
Coastal monitoring applications
Strategic advantages
Complete government control over source code, architecture and databases.
Enhances sovereignty over critical maritime infrastructure.
Reduces risk of leakage of vessel-movement data abroad.
Helps build domestic technical expertise in maritime systems.
Technological advantages
Customised, OEM-independent design → no dependency on foreign vendors.
Open-source architecture for scalability and local innovation.
Radar and voice-data interfacing tailored to Indian port needs.
Designed with security features suitable for defence applications.
Scalable → can be replicated across ports with minimal deployment cost and time.
Significance
Reduces financial and operational risks tied to imported systems.
Supports India’s aim of modernising coastal and port infrastructure.
Strengthens maritime security and enhances situational awareness in Indian waters.
Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat in strategic technology fields.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. The recently developed Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) by IIT-Madras is significant primarily because:
A. It is the first VTMS in the world to use satellite-based navigation.
B. It gives India full control over source code and maritime movement data.
C. It replaces all radar systems currently used in Indian ports.
D. It is designed exclusively for naval use.
Correct answer: B
Explanation:
The main strategic advantage is sovereignty over source code, architecture and critical vessel-movement data, reducing dependency on foreign vendors.
Q. Which institution has developed India’s fully indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System?
A. National Institute of Ocean Technology
B. IIT Bombay, Centre for Maritime Systems
C. IIT Madras, National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts
D. Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam Campus
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
The VTMS was developed at NTCPWC, IIT-Madras as per MoSPW specifications.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the indigenous VTMS:
It is already operational at Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala.
It can be used only for merchant vessels and not for naval platforms.
It reduces the risk of sensitive maritime data leaking abroad.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct (deployment at VISL is confirmed).
Statement 2 is incorrect — the system can also be used for naval vessels and coastal monitoring.
Statement 3 is correct due to full government control over code and databases.