Wait for ambitious AI-backed traffic signal initiative gets longer in Bengaluru

The installation of artificial intelligence-backed traffic signals at 165 locations is aimed at optimising traffic flow and reducing travel time.

In March, the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited floated a tender for AI-based upgradation of 165 traffic signals. As per the tender, the bidder will be responsible for providing the commissioning and synchronisation of the new adaptive traffic control system at 29 locations. Additionally, the bidder has to provide services for the maintenance of the 165 signals for five years. The tender was floated for an estimated project cost of Rs 53 crore.

The system, which is being developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, a government enterprise under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, uses computer vision (camera-based sensors) to identify the vehicular load on each arm of a traffic signal.

Depending on the traffic load and fluctuations, the mechanism adjusts the signal timing using sensors. The AI-based signal allows vehicles to pass on the basis of vehicular density. “Currently, we have a timed signal which is set for 120 or 130 seconds. Let’s assume that at 90 seconds, traffic in a particular arm is zero and all vehicles have been evacuated. Why should other arms wait for 30 seconds more? You can stop and allow other arms to go. That’s exactly what ATCS is tasked to do,” Anucheth said.

However, in case of equal density vehicles on all the arms, ATCS will work like a “regular signal”. “When there are instances of equal density of vehicles in the arms, the signal will be given based on the vehicle count that we have embedded in the system. In fact, we have also asked the developers for a timer to indicate the red signal to caution the driver to stop and avoid any accidents,” said Anucheth.

The traffic police department found the initiative to be effective after a pilot study. It was identified that ATCS worked best during non-peak hours, thus reducing travel time. ATCS can also reduce the level of vehicle stops, delay at the signal and vehicle emissions. It also identifies the load on other arms and helps a traffic police constable to implement road diversions accordingly.

However, the introduction of ATCS is not meant to eliminate manual intervention, but is aimed at reducing manpower required to manage traffic. “ATCS will surely not eliminate traffic constables. We need the cops to intervene between junctions and enforce smooth traffic,” said Anucheth.

ATCS will also have an Emergency Vehicle Priority System, which will create a green corridor for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.