Pune: In response to the growing issue of frequent traffic jams and a surge in signal jumping incidents, the city’s Traffic Branch and Smart City officials have embarked on a mission to recalibrate the signal timings of Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) installations across the city. The objective is to reduce waiting times for vehicles at intersections, enhance the flow of vehicular traffic, and curtail traffic gridlocks.
The necessity to adjust the signal timings within the ITMS framework arose over the past two weeks due to the recurring traffic congestions, partly attributed to a mismatch in signal timings. Authorities also observed an increasing tendency among drivers to disregard signals due to extended waiting periods. Of the 276 traffic junctions in the city, 101 junctions have already been equipped with ITMS signals, and the system is planned to be implemented at 125 crossings in total.
According to DCP (Traffic) Vijay Magar, the prolonged signal timings that exceeded a driver’s reasonable waiting threshold were contributing to signal jumping incidents. Magar stated, “Psychology plays a role. If the signal timing is beyond this capacity (160 to 180 seconds), vehicle users tend to jump the signals. Also, there were signals that were not allowing vehicles to merge seamlessly into the main road traffic. Over the last four days, we have corrected signals at 27 junctions.”
Dinesh Vitkar, Chief Knowledge Officer of Pune Smart City, explained that prior to setting the timings, a collaborative assessment was conducted in conjunction with traffic police. The process of synchronizing the signal timings is currently underway, with a proposal submitted to the traffic police for review and approval. Vitkar emphasized the significance of customizing timings for various junctions, considering factors like peak traffic hours and the size of the intersections.
Vitkar stated, “Major junctions will have different timings while smaller ones can have shorter waiting periods. The signal timings should be adjusted according to the flow of vehicles during different peak hours. The Indian Road Congress guidelines define signal timings, ensuring they remain within motorists’ waiting capacity. We intend to reduce signal timings for several junctions to discourage signal jumping and other traffic rule violations.”
Highlighting specific areas that required attention, Vitkar mentioned that some signals on Ahmednagar Road, Solapur Road, Ganeshkhind Road, and Paud Road had timings exceeding 240 seconds. The team has already rectified signal timings on Ahmednagar Road and Solapur Road to alleviate congestion.
Magar acknowledged a recent system glitch that led to traffic jams and expressed the team’s swift response in resolving the issue. Inspector (Traffic) Rajkumar Shere underlined the intricate nature of signal timings, which take into account factors such as junction size, road characteristics, movement of heavy vehicles, and more. As the authorities work toward optimizing traffic management, the city envisions a smoother and more efficient commuting experience for all.
