Persistent malfunctions in smart traffic signals raise safety concerns at key intersections
Bhubaneswar: The smart adaptive traffic signalling system, installed by Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL), continues to malfunction at multiple key intersections, raising concerns about commuter and pedestrian safety. The smart adaptive traffic signalling system was originally implemented to improve traffic management by automatically adjusting signal timing based on traffic density.
The system, implemented during 2017-18 as part of the Smart City Mission, replaced traditional timer signals at 56 city junctions with automated traffic lights designed to manage traffic flow based on vehicle density through sensor data. But the current situation has forced police to resort to manual traffic management, particularly during peak hours. This situation has compromised the safety of commuters as they were left to navigate the junctions on their own.
Major intersections affected include Infocity Square, Patia Square, Damana Square, Ananda Bazar Square, Laxmi Sagar Square and Unit VIII DAV Square. The situation becomes particularly hazardous during night hours when police officials complete their shifts and leave their posts.
“The malfunctioning traffic lights create confusion. While yellow lights are manageable, at several junctions, the lights have either dimmed significantly or completely stopped working, increasing the risk of accidents,” Jamejaya Mohanty, a Rasulgarh resident, said.
The problem is especially acute at Infocity Square, which sees heavy traffic during evening hours. Akshay Jena, a corporate employee who regularly commutes through this area, expressed frustration over the defunct traffic lights at the Patia junction. “The authorities seem indifferent to our safety. I have often seen the traffic lights at Infocity Square do not work, especially the one towards Patia side. The junction also has no traffic personnel to manage the traffic even manually,” he said.
When contacted, a senior BSCL official assured that their technical team regularly maintains the traffic lights. “We will investigate the reported glitches at these junctions and take immediate corrective action,” the official added.
The system, implemented during 2017-18 as part of the Smart City Mission, replaced traditional timer signals at 56 city junctions with automated traffic lights designed to manage traffic flow based on vehicle density through sensor data. But the current situation has forced police to resort to manual traffic management, particularly during peak hours. This situation has compromised the safety of commuters as they were left to navigate the junctions on their own.
Major intersections affected include Infocity Square, Patia Square, Damana Square, Ananda Bazar Square, Laxmi Sagar Square and Unit VIII DAV Square. The situation becomes particularly hazardous during night hours when police officials complete their shifts and leave their posts.
“The malfunctioning traffic lights create confusion. While yellow lights are manageable, at several junctions, the lights have either dimmed significantly or completely stopped working, increasing the risk of accidents,” Jamejaya Mohanty, a Rasulgarh resident, said.
The problem is especially acute at Infocity Square, which sees heavy traffic during evening hours. Akshay Jena, a corporate employee who regularly commutes through this area, expressed frustration over the defunct traffic lights at the Patia junction. “The authorities seem indifferent to our safety. I have often seen the traffic lights at Infocity Square do not work, especially the one towards Patia side. The junction also has no traffic personnel to manage the traffic even manually,” he said.
When contacted, a senior BSCL official assured that their technical team regularly maintains the traffic lights. “We will investigate the reported glitches at these junctions and take immediate corrective action,” the official added.
