Adaptive traffic light trial shows up to 90% drop in vehicular queue length in Noida

Adaptive traffic lights that were installed in the city on a trial basis showed up to almost 90% reduction in vehicular queue length at two intersections, according to Noida Authority officials. Aimed at reducing traffic and pollution, the traffic lights were installed at three intersections for a week.

Adaptive traffic lights that were installed in the city on a trial basis showed up to almost 90% reduction in vehicular queue length at two intersections, according to Noida Authority officials. Aimed at reducing traffic and pollution, the traffic lights were installed at three intersections for a week.

These light with sensor-based chips fitted in can gauge the number of vehicles on any arm of the road and adjust the duration of the signal accordingly. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

The Authority may soon install adaptive traffic lights across the city. These light with sensor-based chips fitted in can gauge the number of vehicles on any arm of the road and adjust the duration of the signal accordingly. As part of the trial phase, the lights were installed at Rajnigandha Chowk, BSNL Chowk and Chowda Morh, the three major intersections on the Master Plan 2 road.

“The traffic lights are already being tested on Master Plan 2 road and have been successful in reducing traffic in the past few days. We are monitoring the quantitative impact on traffic with videos and will also test the impact on the pollution levels soon,” Rajeev Tyagi, general manager, Noida Authority, said.

He added that videography data collected at the three junctions during peak and off-peak periods indicated a reduction of 90-95% in queue length at the BSNL intersection and the Chowda Morh Intersection near Sector 12. The Rajnigandha intersection witnessed a drop of around 30% on Captain Vijyant Thapar Marg, a significant drop at the majorly congested intersection. Around 20% reduction in delay during the morning peak hours and almost 50% reduction during evening peak hours was also observed in the traffic movement at BSNL and Chowda Morh intersections.

Junckit Systems, the private firm roped in for installing the new system, began an initial set of trials by installing the smart controller at the BSNL intersection on March 7, which was subsequently expanded to the Rajnigandha and Chowda Morh intersections by March 8.

“This initial trial was undertaken to ensure the technical compatibility of Junckit controller with the existing traffic signal systems. If it works well, these smart traffic signals may be installed across the city in a couple of months,” Tyagi said.

The new traffic lights will be monitored from a centre at the Noida Authority office. However, no manual intervention will be required as the chip installed at the traffic signal will be able to change the duration of traffic signals automatically. With already short-staffed traffic police force in Noida, the new traffic lights system is also likely to help with monitoring some intersections where traffic police personnel cannot be deputed permanently.