The BMC has started the process of converting 335 normal road traffic signals in Mumbai to smart signals. The city currently has 590 indicators in total, with 255 of it making the leap to smart signals back in 2008.
The BMC plan encompasses the entire road system in the metro, and additionally includes 166 flashing beacon lights. The smart signals take the flow of travel in either direction into account when deciding which light to use. For instance, if there is heavy traffic one way, the indicator will glow green for a longer duration of time for that route.
According to a BMC official, this allows for faster clearance and prevents traffic jams. The body was the 1st to launch the technology in India in 2008. The first signal was placed at Harkisondas Hospital junction in Girgaum, South Mumbai, under the Mumbai Area Traffic Control Project (MATCP). The 255 smart indicators currently in use have been outfitted with LED lights to save on electricity.
Furthermore, the automatic equipment which has been installed works in real-time for smooth functioning. As per Business Standard (via IANS), the tools include a Vehicle Detection Camera and CCTV. The devices count the number of vehicles going in a particular direction and offer a live feed to a software which analyses the road data in order to decide which color to use.
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The complete smart signal system is monitored constantly at the Traffic Police Headquarters in Worli. Any breakdowns in the machinery are directly communicated to this department, which repairs it in a timely manner in order to prevent traffic snarls. The BMC covers the maintenance and costs of the entire initiative in collaboration with the Mumbai Traffic Police.