Bengaluru’s Hudson Circle junction has experienced a remarkable 33% reduction in vehicle travel time following the installation of new adaptive traffic signals. M N Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), announced this improvement on Wednesday as part of the Bengaluru Adaptive Traffic Control System (BATCS) initiative aimed at enhancing traffic flow.
The BATCS project utilizes the Composite Signal Control Strategy (CoSiCoSt), developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). Unlike traditional fixed-time signals, these adaptive signals employ camera sensors to monitor real-time traffic flow and adjust signal timings accordingly.
Launched in May, the BATCS project has already expanded to cover 60 junctions, including notable locations like National College junction, Town Hall junction, and Halasuru Gate junction. The goal is to implement these AI-powered signals at a total of 165 junctions by January 2025, with plans to have 500 signals, of which 250 will be AI-based, operational by March 2025.
Currently, signals at these junctions operate automatically 90% of the time, with a shift to Vehicle Actuated Control (VAC) during peak hours. Manual operation occurs only 5% of the time, primarily for VIP or ambulance movements. Anucheth emphasized that this is the first time AI-based signals are being utilized during peak traffic hours, and efforts are underway to achieve 100% automatic signaling across junctions.
Benefits of the BATCS Project:
- Synchronized traffic lights along major corridors
- Increased predictability of travel times
- Reduced waiting times at junctions
- Priority for emergency vehicles
- Minimal manual intervention required
- Centrally monitored and controlled by police
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