What if a computer controls the duration of the red or green light at a traffic junction depending on the density of vehicular traffic? That can be called a thinking traffic signal and one such system became operational at Jubilee Hills check post on Thursday.
The virtual loop cameras of this intelligent traffic signal system constantly read the density of traffic and adjust the green/red light duration accordingly to ensure that there would be more of red light on directions which have lesser vehicular density and more of green for routes having greater number of vehicles.
This system, launched as part of H-TRIMS (Hyderabad Traffic Integrated Management System), is to be extended to 221 signals all over the city over a period of time. At least 40 intelligent signals are to be installed by March 1.
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For the first time, this system would also ensure red lights on all directions to facilitate movement of pedestrians. The other type of facility is that pedestrians will cross half of the road while traffic flows on the other side. A ‘hooter’ will alert the pedestrians to cross in 10 to 20 seconds time when the pedestrian signal would turn green.
“We are using latest 32-bit controllers which also permit manual control of signals in all directions along with area traffic control system and synchronisation,” said Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) C.V. Anand. He explained that each junction would have pre-programmed signal timing tables. Depending upon the density of traffic in various directions at different timings during the day, signal timing tables will be configured into the controller.
The new signalling system will have traffic lights with high-intensity LEDs, countdown timers, solar power battery backup facility, directional signboards and footpath railing, among other amenities. The GHMC and Traffic wings have decided to ensure improved facilities at junctions as part of H-TRIMS.
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The signalling system was inaugurated by the GHMC Commissioner M.T. Krishna Babu in the presence of Additional CP, traffic, C.V. Anand.
The State government has sanctioned Rs. 66.50 crore for the H-TRIMS project. All the 221 junctions, which are part of the project, will have the same facilities. All these signal systems would be connected to the traffic command centre at the Police Commissioner’s office in Basherbagh in real time. This would help the police constantly monitor the functioning of these signals.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Krishna Babu explained about various measures being taken up for improving the traffic situation in the capital. “We have already started land acquisition works at 35 junctions and this initiative would help police reduce chaos significantly,” he said, adding that the GHMC, CPDCL, Traffic and other wings were making coordinated efforts to avoid traffic snarls.
Mr. Anand said as many as 2.90 lakh new vehicles were added to the city’s increasing traffic last year and hoped that the motorists’ problems would be solved with the installation of latest technology traffic signals.