It’s unfortunate but a ubiquitous notion that Bengaluru is synonymous with traffic. And traffic with Bengaluru. The Silicon Valley of India is the usual butt of jokes on social media where it takes less time to reach a destination on foot than by vehicle. Where distance is calculated by hours and not kilometres. To put such traffic woes to rest, Bengaluru Traffic Police is leaning towards AI-powered signals. Will these technologically advanced signals ease traffic overall? Read on!
Bengaluru Police Install AI-Powered Signals In The City
Today, @CPBlr & @Jointcptraffic officially introduced the AI-powered Bengaluru Adaptive Traffic Control System (BATCS), a revolutionary step by @blrcitytraffic. With real-time signal control across 165 junctions, BATCS ensures centralized monitoring etchttps://t.co/1ouml3BrAK pic.twitter.com/U6Gf0r7neD
— ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಸಂಚಾರ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ BengaluruTrafficPolice (@blrcitytraffic) October 10, 2024
As per a report by Moneycontrol, Bengaluru Traffic Police has installed AI-powered signals in 60 junctions so far. They implemented the Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) in May 2o24. This project involves upgrading 136 existing junctions and installing new signals in 29 junctions. With 165 traffic signals covered, the police aim to decongest the roads.
60 key areas including Jayanagar, JP Nagar, Basavanagudi and Hudson Circle have been upgraded with AI-powered signals. By January 2025, the police intend to complete the work in the remaining junctions. So, the question arises, what makes these AI-powered signals different? Firstly, Adaptive Control ensures signal timings are optimised. This reduces unnecessary waiting time.
Next, less than 4 per cent involves manual operation. So, there is minimal dependency on traffic police on the ground. Bengaluru city police commissioner B Dayananda stated to Moneycontrol that through automatic detection, emergency vehicles receive priority. This causes less disruption and inconvenience to other road users.
Traffic Police Announces A Significant Decrease In Congestion
Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) MN Anucheth added that the AI-powered signals are controlled and monitored from a central control system. Even during peak times, the ATCS remains operational. Commuters will have more certainty about the traffic signal durations as they will be optimised. On the completion of the first phase, an additional 400 junctions will be added.
To sum it up, these AI-powered signals include benefits like less manual intervention, priority for emergency vehicles, centrally controlled and monitored, traffic light synchronisation and less waiting time and delays. As per Bengaluru Traffic Police, these signals have reduced travel time by 20-30 per cent across three road junctions in the Silicon Valley of India.
They cited examples like a 20 per cent decrease in travel time in Jayanagar. A 33 per cent reduction in travel time in five signals including Town Hall and Halasuru Gate. After mildly tasting success, the police will implement this project in 28 junctions including Hosur Road and MG Road in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, Bengalureans, have you noticed a slight decrease in traffic jams in any of these junctions?
Cover Image Courtesy: @blrcitytraffic/ X
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: October 10, 2024 2:08 PM