Bengaluru is renowned as the Silicon Valley of India, but with this status comes a significant downside: chronic traffic congestion. As the city’s population and vehicle numbers continue to grow, the daily commute for thousands of residents has become a tedious and time-consuming affair.
To combat this growing traffic problem, Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has started implementing an innovative solution that leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve traffic flow across the city.
The solution involves the deployment of Vehicle Actuated Control (VAC) signals at major junctions, marking a significant step forward in managing Bengaluru’s notorious traffic.
VAC signals are designed to address the limitations of traditional traffic signals, which often operate on fixed timers or require manual adjustments. In contrast, VAC signals use AI to monitor traffic in real-time at specific junctions.
By continuously assessing the number of vehicles present at a signal, these intelligent traffic lights can adjust their timings accordingly to manage congestion more effectively.
If a particular route sees a higher volume of traffic, the signal will remain green longer, allowing vehicles to pass through smoothly, while other directions may experience longer waiting times.
This dynamic system ensures that traffic flows more efficiently across all areas, reducing delays and improving the overall driving experience.
The technology behind these signals is sophisticated yet efficient. The VAC signal system operates autonomously most of the time and can even communicate with other signals in the network through Adaptive Traffic Control Systems (ATCS).
This feature enables the system to work in harmony, adjusting signal timings across multiple junctions to alleviate congestion at key traffic nodes. By the end of March, the city plans to have 165 VAC signals in place, a significant increase from the 103 B-ATCS signals currently in operation.
According to MN Anuchet, the Joint Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru Traffic, the implementation of this system has already shown promising results. Travel time has been reduced by 15 to 17%, and vehicular throughput at junctions has increased by 20 to 22%.
Moreover, the need for manual intervention in signal operations has decreased dramatically, from 35% to less than 5%.
The VAC signals are not just a product of local innovation but also a result of international collaboration. The technology has been developed in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and incorporates Japan’s MODERATO system.
This partnership has allowed the city to benefit from cutting-edge technology, which has been tailored to suit Indian road conditions and driving behaviour. The system’s design allows it to adjust in real-time based on traffic data gathered from AI-powered cameras installed at the signals.
These cameras monitor traffic flow, and the data they collect helps determine the optimal duration for green signals, ensuring that traffic moves smoothly and efficiently.
One of the key features of the VAC system is its ability to dynamically change signal timings based on the traffic volume in each direction. For example, if there is heavy traffic in one direction, the system will adjust the green light duration accordingly to clear the congestion.
While this system has been praised for its effectiveness during peak hours, some commuters have raised concerns. According to Manjunath S, a daily commuter, the system works well during high-traffic times, as it prioritises the direction with more vehicles.
However, he points out that at quieter signals, there can be a slight delay in clearing the signal due to drivers taking longer to accelerate. Additionally, the system does not prioritise ambulances, which is a significant drawback in emergency situations.
Despite these minor issues, the system has been a marked improvement over traditional methods. Bengaluru Traffic Control (BTC) is working to address these concerns, including the introduction of a five-second countdown timer to help motorists anticipate when the signal will change.
Currently, the VAC signals operate autonomously about 90% of the time, with manual intervention required only around 5% of the time to manage VIP movements or accommodate emergency vehicles like ambulances.
As the city looks to expand the VAC signal system, the results so far have been promising. With over 100 junctions already equipped with these smart signals, Bengaluru has seen a reduction in traffic congestion by up to 33% at key junctions powered by ATCS.
The city’s plans to expand the system further, with an additional 65 VAC signals set to be added by the end of March, are expected to provide even greater benefits.
Moreover, the ongoing transition of traditional signals to VAC signals promises to enhance traffic management across the city, ultimately improving the daily commute for thousands of Bengaluru’s residents.
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