Smart signals ‘struggle’ in peak-hour Gurugram rush: Officials

Traffic personnel said sudden lane changes, two-wheelers and spillovers overwhelm the system at IFFCO, Rajiv, Subhash and Vatika Chowk.

Gurugram’s multi-crore smart traffic signal network, designed to adjust timings based on traffic volumes, often struggles during peak-hour congestion, prompting traffic personnel to override signals and manually regulate movement at several junctions, officials said.

Under phase one, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority is upgrading 111 intersections across sectors 1 to 55 at ₹12.5 crore. (HT Photo)

Under phase one, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority is upgrading 111 intersections across sectors 1 to 55 at ₹12.5 crore. Another 32 locations in sectors 58 to 115 have been identified for phase two at ₹7.46 crore. GMDA has installed 141 smart sensor cameras for the Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS). GMDA officials said all 111 intersections and 141 cameras are fully functional.

The tender requires seven years of camera maintenance, with costs included. Officials said prolonged breakdowns have not been recorded, while three teams conduct weekly checks. However, GMDA does not maintain records of minor breakdowns or maintenance calls.

At IFFCO Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, Subhash Chowk and Vatika Chowk, personnel said the system struggles with sudden lane changes and traffic spillovers.

Assistant commissioner of police (traffic, headquarters and highways), Satyapal Yadav, told HT, “Traffic on-ground officials often override the automatic signals based on the vehicular congestion and unforeseen instances like waterlogging or route diversions.”

An HT check found heavy manual control along Golf Course Extension Road, Southern Peripheral Road and Vatika Chowk.

Manoj Saini, a GMDA official associated with the Smart City Signal project, told HT, “Our focus is to ensure zero manual intervention on the roads.” He acknowledged dust and periodic breakdowns can affect detection.