The Greater Chennai Corporation’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is helping improve traffic movement across the city by reducing waiting times at busy junctions. According to officials, the system has reduced the average waiting time at some junctions by around 10% to 15%.
The ITS is currently operational at 105 locations in Chennai. The city is now preparing for a larger expansion with the introduction of an Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS). The new system is expected to be launched in December and will cover 154 traffic junctions.
The ATCS will use real-time information collected through cameras and sensors to understand traffic conditions. Based on the number of vehicles approaching a junction, the system can automatically adjust the timing of traffic signals.
For example, when there is very little traffic on one road, the system can reduce the waiting period for vehicles on that side. When another road has heavier traffic, it can provide a longer green-light period. This approach is designed to reduce unnecessary waiting and improve traffic flow.
Initial testing has shown encouraging results. The system has reportedly saved around 15 seconds during each signal cycle at some locations. While the saving may appear small at an individual junction, it can make a significant difference when repeated across multiple signals during a daily journey.
The system is also designed to improve pedestrian safety. Pelican signals allow pedestrians to press a button when they need to cross the road. The signal then provides an appropriate crossing phase, helping pedestrians cross more safely.
Testing has also been carried out along the EVR Periyar Salai Corridor, an 8.8-kilometre stretch containing 21 signal points. The corridor has shown positive results during the trial, with improvements expected in travel time and traffic movement.
Officials estimate that the improvements on this corridor could provide annual benefits of around ₹62 crore through savings in commuters’ travel time, fuel consumption and other related costs. Better traffic flow could also help reduce vehicle emissions.
As Chennai expands its intelligent traffic management network, the planned ATCS rollout could bring similar improvements to more roads and junctions. The wider use of real-time traffic signals could help reduce delays, fuel consumption and emissions while making daily travel more efficient for motorists, public transport users and pedestrians.