Bengaluru Police unveil next-gen Al-powered adaptive traffic control system
Bengaluru (PTI): To address the increasing traffic challenges, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) on Wednesday announced the implementation of the Bengaluru Adaptive Traffic Control System (BATCS), a cutting-edge technology designed to streamline traffic flow and reduce delays city-wide.
BATCS aims to revolutionise traffic management in the city through real-time Artificial Intelligence-powered traffic signal control systems, officials said.
The BATCS project, initiated in May 2024, includes the upgradation of 136 existing junctions and the installation of 29 new ones, covering a total of 165 traffic signals.
This 'ambitious project' utilises Centre for Development of Advanced Computing's (C-DAC) indigenously developed CoSiCoSt ATCS application, which is tailored specifically to manage India's heterogeneous and often unpredictable traffic conditions.
The project is being implemented with Arcadis IBI Group serving as the system integrator and Infra Support as the project management consultants.
"Upon completion of these 165 junctions by January 2025, Bengaluru Traffic Police shall expand the system for balance 400 junctions in a phased manner. Upon completion, the city will have a comprehensive, city-wide Al Powered intelligent traffic signal control system that significantly reduces delays, improves journey times, and provides a safer road environment for all users," Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda told reporters here.
The successful city-wide implementation of BATCS will ensure seamless travel across the city and help Bengaluru become a model for smart traffic management in urban India, he said.
According to Joint Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru City Traffic, M N Anucheth, BATCS stands out from the previous traffic management systems used in the city due to its unique capabilities and use of Al technology.
Unlike the older system, which lacked real-time adaptability and central monitoring, BATCS dynamically adjusts signal timings based on real-time traffic densities using inputs from camera sensors at all junction approaches. This ensures optimal traffic flow and minimises delays. resulting in smoother travel experiences for commuters, he said.
"BATCS provides centralised monitoring of traffic signals from a central control room, enabling quicker responses to changing traffic conditions and easier adjustments to signal timings. Signals along major corridors are synchronised to create green waves' that allow vehicles to move smoothly with fewer stops, reducing travel time and improving fuel efficiency," Anucheth said.
"The system also incorporates a feature for emergency vehicle priority and can be adapted for pedestrian and public transport needs in the future. In scenarios of accidents or incidents, predefined plans are analysed at critical junctions using simulation models, and the system can quickly switch over to respond efficiently," he added.
He noted that the BATCS system is different from the recently launched 'Moderato' system, which is based on an origin-destination method of signal control that requires extensive data on traffic patterns.
"In contrast, BATCS relies on real-time traffic volume data and a simpler, more effective control algorithm designed to handle such complexities. This approach enables BATCS to deliver better results under Indian traffic conditions with lesser data requirements and more dependable key performance indicators," Anucheth stated.
As of today, 60 junctions have been successfully upgraded in key areas such as Basavanagudi, Jayanagar. JP Nagar, and Hudson Circle, with ongoing work to ensure the timely completion of the remaining junctions by January, 2025. Once fully operational, further optimisation and fine-tuning will be carried out to ensure smoother and more efficient traffic management across the city, he said.
"Preliminary results have shown significant reductions in travel times along major corridors such as KR Road, where manual traffic management has been replaced with vehicle-actuated and adaptive signal control. This change has not only reduced congestion but has also decreased overall travel times for commuters," Anucheth added.
The BTP said they are closely coordinating with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for smoother execution of the project. The BATCS project will complement existing and upcoming infrastructure developments such as tunnels, flyovers, and road widening initiatives. While tunnels and flyovers help separate through-traffic, adaptive signaling optimises surface-level traffic flow, ensuring an efficient and sustainable transport network for the city.
"We urge public cooperation during the installation, testing, and trial operations of BATCS. While minor inconveniences may arise, these are necessary steps to ensure the success of this transformative system. BTP will be conducting public awareness campaigns and sharing information through various media channels to keep citizens informed about any disruptions during the system rollout," Anucheth added.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
