Synchronize the traffic signals with smart systems

Synchronize the traffic signals with smart systems


Raghavendra R
First Published : 06 Nov 2008 04:06:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 06 Nov 2008 09:42:06 AM IST

BANGALORE: Here is good news for Bangalore’s motorists who spend frustrated moments each day at the countless traffic signals, where the wait is getting longer by the day, thanks to the burgeoning vehicular population.

For better traffic management, Bangalore City Traffic Police will soon launch a pilot project - Area Traffic Control System (ATCS)- under phase four of B-TRAC signaling system.

It will be first implemented on selected corridors, like the one from Devanahalli to High Grounds Junction connecting international airport and that from Kundalahalli to Trinity Circle.

ATCS is a computerised system that integrates the control and operation of traffic signals. The system provides better co-ordination of traffic lights at road intersections to help motorists and pedestrians cross roads and junctions safely and easily.

Talking to this website's newspaper, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic & Security) Praveen Sood, said: “ATCS is an indigenous solution for Indian road traffic. Information about traffic density at all the junctions on a corridor is collected using loops under the road through controllers fixed at each junction and it will be monitored from the Traffic Management Centre at the Ashoknagar Police Station.” The detailed project report for floating a tender is under preparation and technical studies are being conducted.

“ATCS will be launched in three to four months, in the first corridor on an experimental basis. Depending on the success, project will be extended,” he informed.

Explaining the working of the traffic signal algorithm, Sood said it requires a lot of planning based on traffic density in each direction. “Each signal is different. The working of the algorithm is programmed four to five times a day. For instance, Trinity Circle traffic signal works 24 hours. Maximum time cycle from all the four sides of a major junction is 280 seconds in the city,” he added.

“However, in 90 per cent of the cases, it is less than 220 seconds. On most roads, it ranges between 150 and 160 seconds. Only in 10 per cent of areas like Silk Board Junction and Basaveshwara Circle, it is programmed for long, due to heavy traffic,” Sood opined.

While the present official vehicle capacity of roads inBangalore is about 16 to 18 lakh, in reality there are about 35 lakh vehicles, barring floating vehicles.

Meanwhile, under phase two of B-TRAC signaling system, installation of 204 new signals across the City has begun and the work will be completed by January 2009. In addition to solar panels and vehicle actuation, all these signals will carry 3M quality direction signs.

“About 100 new signals have already been installed and all are vehicle- actuated signal systems,” said DCP Traffic (West) P H Rane. Says M A Saleem, KSRTC Director (Security & Vigilance): “Synchronisation of signals on M G Road and J C Road and vehicle-actuated signal system at BEL Circle and Coffee Board Junction were implemented two years ago. Synchronisation in the remaining junctions will ease traffic flow,” he opined.