B'luru police unveil next-gen Al-powered adaptive traffic control system

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: To address the increasing traffic challenges, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) on Wednesday announced the implementation of the Bengaluru Adaptive 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 the city through real-time Artificial Intelligence-powered traffic signal control systems, officials said. The BATCS project, initiated in May 2024, includes the upgradation of 136 existing junctions and the installation of 29 new ones, covering a total of 165 traffic signals.

This 'ambitious project' utilises Centre for Development of Advanced Computing's (C-DAC) indigenously developed CoSiCoSt ATCS application, which is tailored specifically to manage India's heterogeneous and often unpredictable traffic conditions. The project is being implemented with Arcadis IBI Group serving as the system integrator and Infra Support as the project management consultants. "Upon completion of these 165 junctions by January 2025, Bengaluru Traffic Police shall expand the system for balance 400 junctions in a phased manner. Upon completion, the 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 road environment for all users," Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda told reporters here.

The successful city-wide implementation of BATCS will ensure seamless travel across the 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 the previous traffic management systems used in the city due to its unique capabilities and use of Al technology. Unlike the older system, which lacked real-time adaptability and central monitoring, BATCS dynamically adjusts 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 smoother 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 adjustments 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.