Bengaluru Police to use artificial intelligence to manage city traffic

To dress increasing traffic challenges, Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) on Wednesday announced implementation of Bengaluru aptive Traffic Control System (BATCS), a cutting-edge technology designed to streamline traffic flow and reduce delays city-wide.

BATCS aims to revolutionise traffic management in city through real-time Artificial Intelligence-powered traffic signal control systems, officials said.

BATCS project, initiated in May 2024, includes upgration of 136 existing junctions and installation of 29 new ones, covering a total of 165 traffic signals.

This 'ambitious project' utilises Centre for Development of vanced Computing's (C-DAC) indigenously developed CoSiCoSt ATCS application, which is tailored specifically to manage India's heterogeneous and often unpredictable traffic conditions.

project is being implemented with Arcis IBI Group serving as system integrator and Infra Support as project management consultants.

"Upon completion of se 165 junctions by January 2025, Bengaluru Traffic Police shall expand system for balance 400 junctions in a phased manner. Upon completion, city will have a comprehensive, city-wide Al Powered intelligent traffic signal control system that significantly reduces delays, improves journey times, and provides a safer ro environment for all users," Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda told reporters here.

successful city-wide implementation of BATCS will ensure seamless travel across city and help Bengaluru become a model for smart traffic management in urban India, he said.

According to Joint Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru City Traffic, M N Anucheth, BATCS stands out from previous traffic management systems used in city due to its unique capabilities and use of Al technology.

Unlike older system, which lacked real-time aptability and central monitoring, BATCS dynamically justs signal timings based on real-time traffic densities using inputs from camera sensors at all junction approaches. This ensures optimal traffic flow and minimises delays. resulting in smoor travel experiences for commuters, he said.

"BATCS provides centralised monitoring of traffic signals from a central control room, enabling quicker responses to changing traffic conditions and easier justments to signal timings. Signals along major corridors are synchronised to create green waves' that allow vehicles to move smoothly with fewer stops, reducing travel time and improving fuel efficiency," Anucheth said.

" system also incorporates a feature for emergency vehicle priority and can be apted for pedestrian and public transport needs in future. In scenarios of accidents or incidents, predefined plans are analysed at critical junctions using simulation models, and system can quickly switch over to respond efficiently," he ded.

He noted that BATCS system is different from recently launched 'Moderato' system, which is based on an origin-destination method of signal control that requires extensive data on traffic patterns.

"In contrast, BATCS relies on real-time traffic volume data and a simpler, more effective control algorithm designed to handle such complexities. This approach enables BATCS to deliver better results under Indian traffic conditions with lesser data requirements and more dependable key performance indicators," Anucheth stated.

As of today, 60 junctions have been successfully upgred in key areas such as Basavanagudi, Jayanagar. JP Nagar, and Hudson Circle, with ongoing work to ensure timely completion of remaining junctions by January, 2025. Once fully operational, furr optimisation and fine-tuning will be carried out to ensure smoor and more efficient traffic management across city, he said.

"Preliminary results have shown significant reductions in travel times along major corridors such as KR Ro, where manual traffic management has been replaced with vehicle-actuated and aptive signal control. This change has not only reduced congestion but has also decreased overall travel times for commuters," Anucheth ded.

BTP said y are closely coordinating with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for smoor execution of project. BATCS project will complement existing and upcoming infrastructure developments such as tunnels, flyovers, and ro widening initiatives. While tunnels and flyovers help separate through-traffic, aptive signaling optimises surface-level traffic flow, ensuring an efficient and sustainable transport network for city.

"We urge public cooperation during installation, testing, and trial operations of BATCS. While minor inconveniences may arise, se are necessary steps to ensure success of this transformative system. BTP will be conducting public awareness campaigns and sharing information through various media channels to keep citizens informed about any disruptions during system rollout," Anucheth ded.