Here is good news for commuters as the city's fixed-timing traffic signals are set to be replaced by an advanced AI-enabled system. This new system, powered by artificial intelligence and integrated with CCTV cameras, will automatically adjust traffic signals based on the real-time density of vehicles on each road, enhancing traffic flow and reducing congestion, especially during peak and non-peak hours.
The Aurangabad Smart City Development Corporation Limited (ASCDCL) is set to launch this AI-driven Smart Traffic Monitoring System on a pilot basis, with technological support from MGM’s Jawaharlal Nehru Engineering College (JNEC). The project will be led by ASCDCL Project Manager Syed Faiz Ali in collaboration with Dr. Vijaya Musande, Head of the Computer Science Department at JNEC. The JNEC team, known as Team POWERX, achieved significant recognition after winning the Smart India Hackathon in 2023 in Chennai.
Pilot project at Mill Corner
The pilot project is expected to begin next week at Mill Corner Square, a key location that experiences significant traffic, including VIPs, tourists, school buses, vans, autos, and general vehicles. The AI system will utilize CCTV cameras to analyze traffic flow across various lanes at the square. It will automatically adjust the traffic signals—switching from Red to Green—depending on the number of vehicles detected at each intersection. The system will capture images of different types of vehicles and their densities on each road. This data will be processed and displayed on a central dashboard at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at ASCDCL headquarters, located at Kile Ark. If the pilot project proves successful, it will be expanded to other key squares in the city and eventually handed over to the urban police for full implementation.
Benefits of Adaptive Traffic Signal Control (ATSC)
The AI-enabled system will employ Adaptive Traffic Signal Control (ATSC) technology, which is considered essential for modern urban traffic management. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with its 50 main squares and intersections, will benefit greatly from this transition. Unlike traditional fixed-timing signals, which operate on a rigid schedule (ranging from 20 to 180 seconds), the ATSC system adapts in real-time to the traffic situation.
The AI-driven cameras, equipped with advanced algorithms, will continuously monitor traffic density, identify the types of vehicles on the road, and assess overall road conditions. By analyzing this data, the system will optimize traffic flow, ensuring smoother movement through congested areas without requiring human intervention, such as traffic police directing signals.
Real-time traffic flow optimization
For example, if a Red signal is currently active but the number of vehicles is high, the system will automatically turn the signal Green to alleviate congestion. This dynamic signal control will significantly reduce peak-hour bottlenecks and improve the overall flow of traffic, providing a seamless travel experience across urban hubs. ATSC systems have already been successfully implemented in major cities such as Bengaluru and Kolkata, where they have demonstrated their ability to streamline traffic and enhance safety.