Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Bengaluru traffic police to introduce 5-second countdown timer to address unpredictability of AI-powered signals

AI-powered VAC signals adjust the length of the red/green lights based on traffic density in each area and can often catch commuters off guard.

The Bengaluru traffic police are working to address a key issue with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered vehicle actuated control (VAC) traffic signals by introducing a 5-second countdown timer before the light turns green. Currently, this feature is unavailable at these dynamic signals, leaving commuters unprepared for the change.

VAC signals, which adjust the length of the red/green lights based on traffic density in each area and often catch motorists off guard when they suddenly turn from one to another. This unpredictability has led to concerns among commuters.


With VAV signals, unlike the traditional countdown signals, commuters are caught off guard and stopped abruptly by a red light, with no indication of when it will turn red. This is because the AI-powered traffic signals are designed to address the unpredictable nature of Bengaluru’s traffic and adjust signalling based on different traffic scenarios.

Recognising the problem, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) M N Anucheth confirmed that steps were being taken to implement the countdown timer. “The timer will help commuters prepare to move, reducing confusion and improving traffic flow,” he said.

However, commuters have also raised concerns about the rapid signal changes at VAC-equipped junctions. The AI system switches from red to green and vice versa swiftly, with the amber light barely visible, making it challenging to cross signals in time.

Currently, AI-powered VAC systems are operational at 100 junctions in Bengaluru. By the end of March, 65 more junctions will adopt this technology in the first phase, with an additional 300 signals set to be converted in the next phase.

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