Bengaluru traffic police and Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) are coming up with AI-powered adaptive traffic signal control systems in 200 junctions across the city.
Currently, traffic signals at these junctions operate on fixed timers, irrespective of the actual traffic volume. The new system will allow signals to adjust dynamically based on vehicle density at each junction.
Joint commissioner of police (Bengaluru traffic) MN Anucheth told Moneycontrol, “Out of the 165 junctions, adaptive signals have been installed at 23 so far, primarily in the southern and western parts of the city. All 165 junctions will get adaptive signals by January 2025.”
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“At present, 23 signals are operating in Vehicle Actuated Controlled (VAC) mode, while testing of the Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATC) mode is underway. VAC adjusts signal timings based on real-time vehicle detection, whereas ATC optimises for traffic flow and synchronizes multiple signals dynamically for improved efficiency.” he said.
These signals are being installed along Mysuru Road, Magadi Road, West of Chord Road, Kanakapura Road, Hosur Road, Tumakuru Road, Bannerghatta Road, RV Road, and Bellary Road.
Bengaluru has nearly 40,000 traffic intersections, with 388 controlled by signals and 500 manually regulated. “In Phase 1, we are planning to implement adaptive signals at 165 junctions. Future phases will add 220 signals in Phase 2 and 107 in Phase 3, subject to government funding approval.” said Anucheth.
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Both the traffic police and DULT's systems plan to allocate more time to junctions with higher traffic loads, although their algorithms differ. The traffic police use CoSiCoSt (Composite Signal Control Strategy), developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), which is tailored to Indian driving conditions. DULT has deployed Japan’s MODERATO (Management of Origin-Destination-Related Adaptation for Traffic Optimisation) technology.
“This means that in situations where there are no vehicles, but the lights remain green, a significant amount of time could have been allocated to a different direction. Once adaptive signals are fully implemented, we expect improved traffic flow, especially during non-peak hours,” Anucheth said.
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DULT’s project delayed
DULT is implementing MODERATO technology-based Area Traffic Control System (ATCS) at 28 junctions along MG Road, Hosur Road, and Old Madras Road. The system adjusts signal timings based on real-time traffic volume data from roadside sensors.
A DULT source said, “We have installed the system at 25 of the 28 junctions so far, but testing is still ongoing. The system has been most effective between 12 noon and 4 pm. Existing traffic signals will remain till the new system is fully stabilised. We are also working on how to facilitate the passage of emergency vehicles, including ambulances".
MODERATO technology has been implemented in countries such as Japan, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. The Rs 70-crore project, funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is being executed by the Japanese firm Nagoya Electric Works Co. Ltd.
While DULT’s project was announced in 2014, the contract with Nagoya Electric Works Co. Ltd. was only signed in July 2021. The project, which was supposed to be completed by October 2022, has faced multiple delays.
Also, read: Bengaluru traffic police launches AI-powered ASTraM; to provide congestion alerts
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