Bengaluru launches adaptive traffic control at signals in a bid to ease congestion
READ | IPS officer Karthik Reddy takes over as Bengaluru's new traffic police chief. 5 facts you need to know about him
Announcing the development on social media site X, the city's traffic police stated, 'Bengaluru takes a significant step towards smarter mobility. The Bengaluru Adaptive Traffic Control System (BATCS) uses real-time data to streamline signal timings, reduce delays, and improve commuter experience. An efficient city starts with intelligent mobility.'
READ | Bengaluru commuters slam 'unscientific' traffic signals on Outer Ring Road, seek police fix
Traffic cops shared a video of the same, which detailed the new update, saying, 'New update at ATSC signals', 'Now showing count down before green signal, even in vehicle actuated or manual mode.'
'Helps drivers prepare and move smoothly', 'Smarter signals, smoother Bengaluru,' it added.
Watch the video here:
This initiative follows closely on the heels of IAS officer Karthik Reddy stepping in as Bengaluru's traffic police chief, bringing renewed attention to traffic management strategies across the city.
READ | 'Longer waits, manual overrides': Ex-top cop sparks debate on Bengaluru's new AI traffic signals
Social media has also been abuzz with citizen concerns about 'unscientific' traffic signal timings. A viral post recently expressed frustration over misaligned traffic lights and prolonged waiting periods at intersections. BJP leader and former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao publicly criticized the new AI-powered technology at traffic signals, labelling them as 'counter productive.'
On X, he argued that the system is causing 'longer waits and making commutes worse.' Rao also noted that manual overrides — a sign of persistent problems — have become increasingly common.
Bengaluru's infamous traffic congestion remains a pressing issue, especially after the recent ban on bike taxis, which shed a spotlight on mobility and commute crisis in the city. With incomplete infrastructure projects adding to bottlenecks at well-known choke points, city officials are actively seeking methods to ease the vehicular gridlock.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
a day ago
- News18
'Work From Home On Wednesdays': Bengaluru Traffic Police's Pitch To IT Firms To Beat Gridlocks
Last Updated: Bengaluru's joint commissioner of traffic, Karthik Reddy, has proposed that tech companies consider WFH on Wednesdays, which data shows is the worst day of the week for traffic As Bengaluru continues to battle the ignominy of being labelled the 'most congested city in the world", the IT capital's traffic police are now turning to the tech industry for solutions—quite literally. In a direct outreach to the city's IT giants, Bengaluru's joint commissioner of traffic, Karthik Reddy, has proposed that tech companies consider implementing 'work from home" on Wednesdays, which data shows is the worst day of the week for traffic snarls. 'This Monday we had a meeting with ORRCA (Outer Ring Road Companies Association), and we made three suggestions," Reddy told News18. 'First was staggering office timings. All companies usually start between 9 and 10 am—that's a major pressure point. We requested them to stagger start times between 7.30 am and 9.30 am to help spread out traffic." The second request was to promote public transport. 'BMTC has assured us that they will provide additional buses. We asked companies to encourage employees to use public transport," he said. The AI playbook Reddy has taken charge at a time when Bengaluru has 1 lakh to 1.1 lakh new vehicles being registered every month—a number he calls staggering. 'That's just in Bengaluru RTOs, not counting vehicles from neighbouring districts. With that kind of growth, congestion has naturally risen over the years," he said. The department is now turning to technology—including AI-powered signals and surveillance—to manage traffic in the city. 'We currently have 501 signals, of which 169 are AI-based. By year-end, we plan to add another 110 AI-enabled signals," he said. 'These systems analyse traffic density on all lanes at a junction and dynamically adjust signal timings. Over time, they learn and improve—and help us manage congestion better." Boots on the ground—and cameras in the air While AI helps, Reddy maintains that basic policing remains critical. 'There's no substitute for our people on the ground. From me to the last constable, all of us have to be visible during peak hours," he said. Bengaluru also has a growing network of ANPR and ITMS cameras, in addition to Safe City surveillance. 'Violations caught on these are immediately challaned. People think they can get away—but the system tracks them. They might delay payment, but they'll have to pay eventually," Reddy said. 'Civic sense is key' Yet, despite tech and boots on the ground, Reddy says real change can only happen if citizens step up. 'We can't have police on every corner. Basic civic sense is critical. These rules are for our safety. A single violation can endanger others," he said, adding that his department is planning a crackdown on app-based delivery riders who routinely flout traffic rules. 'We're calling for a meeting with aggregators like Zepto and Blinkit next week. We want them to sensitise their delivery staff—no riding on footpaths, no wrong-way driving, no skipping helmets. Rules apply to them too. If violations continue, we'll have a crackdown." Undoing the tag So, can Bengaluru ever shake off the 'most congested" tag? 'We are trying our best," Reddy said firmly. 'We are working on all fronts—from AI to better enforcement, from collaborating with companies to pushing for behavioural change. We are determined to reduce congestion in this city." First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Bengaluru Traffic Police push for Wednesday WFH to tackle road congestion
Bengaluru traffic police have proposed a mid-week Work From Home (WFH) initiative to address the city's chronic traffic congestion, particularly along the heavily burdened Outer Ring Road (ORR). The news, first reported by local media outlet B engaluru Mirror earlier this week, states that the plan aims to reduce peak-hour gridlock in the city's IT corridor by encouraging tech firms to allow employees to work remotely every Wednesday. The proposal is part of a broader set of traffic decongestion measures developed jointly by the Bengaluru Traffic Police, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), and representatives from the IT industry. Combating peak hour traffic: Staggered shifts, shuttle services The plan also calls for staggered office hours and greater reliance on organised shuttle services. Officials say the measures are aimed squarely at easing the morning choke between 9:00 and 10:00 am, when traffic on ORR slows to a crawl and often brings movement to a standstill. Joint Commissioner of Traffic, Karthik Reddy, said companies have been advised to start shifts as early as 7:30 am and schedule internal meetings with commuting times in mind. The city is also asking firms to take more responsibility for employee transport by deploying shuttles and coordinating with BMTC, which has committed to expanding its fleet of air-conditioned buses serving the tech corridor. Roadwork, illegal parking puts tech corridor under pressure The push comes at a time when the city's infrastructure is under immense strain. Several stretches of ORR are still undergoing delayed roadworks, and narrow junctions continue to be clogged by illegal parking and poor lane discipline. To address this, police are implementing a zero-tolerance policy on parking violations near tech parks and junctions, with immediate towing now in effect. Companies have been asked to assist with enforcement by deploying traffic marshals and volunteers. IT industry's take on Bengaluru traffic Representatives from Bengaluru's IT sector, including the Greater Bengaluru IT and Companies Association, have said they support the WFH plan, but only if it is enforced properly and communicated in advance. They also requested consideration for periodic Saturday WFH days to ease weekend congestion during events or infrastructure work. Other suggestions from the sector included: Mandatory staggered timings across companies Enhanced carpooling incentives Restrictions on heavy vehicles during rush hours What's causing major traffic jams in Bengaluru? According to a report by The Times of India, more than 300,000 new private vehicles were registered in the first six months of 2025 in Bengaluru, with June accounting for 49,620. The city already has more than 12.3 million registered vehicles. Bengaluru's traffic woes have also worsened further following the state-wide ban on bike taxis in June 2025. The ban, which eliminated a key last-mile commute option for thousands, has led to an 18–22 per cent spike in peak-hour congestion within a week, according to a report by Moneycontrol. With over 600,000 riders affected and commuters shifting to autos and cabs, road occupancy has surged. Authorities hope that the mid-week WFH model, combined with tighter enforcement and better coordination with employers, can buy time and breathing room until longer-term fixes—like metro expansion and road widening—catch up to the city's rapid growth.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru launches adaptive traffic control at signals in a bid to ease congestion
In an initiative to embrace real-time traffic management, Bengaluru has rolled out an update to the Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS), a move authorities say marks a substantial leap toward smarter urban mobility. The smart traffic signals in Bengaluru have drawn criticism from several over their efficiency and timing.(X) READ | IPS officer Karthik Reddy takes over as Bengaluru's new traffic police chief. 5 facts you need to know about him Announcing the development on social media site X, the city's traffic police stated, 'Bengaluru takes a significant step towards smarter mobility. The Bengaluru Adaptive Traffic Control System (BATCS) uses real-time data to streamline signal timings, reduce delays, and improve commuter experience. An efficient city starts with intelligent mobility.' READ | Bengaluru commuters slam 'unscientific' traffic signals on Outer Ring Road, seek police fix Traffic cops shared a video of the same, which detailed the new update, saying, 'New update at ATSC signals', 'Now showing count down before green signal, even in vehicle actuated or manual mode.' 'Helps drivers prepare and move smoothly', 'Smarter signals, smoother Bengaluru,' it added. Watch the video here: This initiative follows closely on the heels of IAS officer Karthik Reddy stepping in as Bengaluru's traffic police chief, bringing renewed attention to traffic management strategies across the city. READ | 'Longer waits, manual overrides': Ex-top cop sparks debate on Bengaluru's new AI traffic signals Social media has also been abuzz with citizen concerns about 'unscientific' traffic signal timings. A viral post recently expressed frustration over misaligned traffic lights and prolonged waiting periods at intersections. BJP leader and former Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao publicly criticized the new AI-powered technology at traffic signals, labelling them as 'counter productive.' On X, he argued that the system is causing 'longer waits and making commutes worse.' Rao also noted that manual overrides — a sign of persistent problems — have become increasingly common. Bengaluru's infamous traffic congestion remains a pressing issue, especially after the recent ban on bike taxis, which shed a spotlight on mobility and commute crisis in the city. With incomplete infrastructure projects adding to bottlenecks at well-known choke points, city officials are actively seeking methods to ease the vehicular gridlock.
