To address the growing traffic congestion in Bengaluru, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has launched the Bengaluru Adaptive Traffic Control System (BATCS), an innovative technology aimed at enhancing traffic management across the city. The scheme, which starts in May 2024, involves upgrading 136 existing transport hubs and adding 29 new transport hubs, bringing the total number of traffic signals to 165.
BTP officials said BATCS uses real-time artificial intelligence to dynamically control traffic signals, significantly reducing delays and shortening journey times. The system uses the CoSiCoSt ATCS application independently developed by the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and is tailored for India’s diverse traffic scenarios. Arcadis IBI Group was appointed as system integrator and Infra Support as project management consultant.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said the initiative will make the city a model for smart traffic management in Indian cities. “Once the initial 165 junctions become operational in January 2025, we plan to expand BATCS to an additional 400 junctions in a phased manner,” he said.
MN Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Bengaluru City Traffic Police, highlighted the advantages of BATCS over the previous system and pointed out its real-time adaptability. Unlike older models that lacked central monitoring, BATCS uses input from intersection camera sensors to adjust signal timing based on traffic density, promoting a smoother travel experience.
The new system features centralized monitoring to respond more quickly to traffic fluctuations and synchronizes signals along key corridors to create “green waves.” The technology also prioritizes emergency vehicles and can accommodate evolving pedestrian and public transportation needs in the future.
So far, 60 intersections in Basavanagudi, Jayanagar and other areas have been successfully upgraded. BTP is working closely with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to ensure seamless implementation of the project, complementing ongoing infrastructure improvements including tunnels and flyovers.
BTP encourages public cooperation during the installation and testing phases, assuring residents that minor inconveniences are crucial to the success of this transformative measure.
