Bengaluru implements innovative MODERATO traffic system

15 Feb 2024 CW Team

Overseen by DULT, the project is currently in the testing phase at Kensington Road and Murphy Road signals, with full-scale testing scheduled to commence in the last week of February 2024. Successful testing could see all 28 signals operational by March 2024.

The introduction of MODERATO technology for traffic signals was initially proposed in 2014 but faced delays, with work starting in July 2021 and expected completion by October 2022. Delays were attributed to issues with fixed timer systems, Covid-19 disruptions, underground utilities, and technical challenges.

Upon completion of testing, the signals will be handed over to the traffic police, allowing for manual intervention for VIP and emergency vehicles, as the sensors primarily focus on vehicle density and not specific vehicle types.

MODERATO technology, an acronym for "Management of Origin-Destination Related Adaptation for Traffic Optimisation," employs real-time data to manage traffic efficiently. The system's sensors detect real-time traffic demand, automatically adjusting signals in response to changing conditions, eliminating the need for fixed timers.

The Adaptive Traffic Signal Control System (ATSCS) includes signals for motorists and pedestrians, automatic traffic counters, and queue-length measurement systems. The central control software, MODERATO, optimises signal timing in real-time, ensuring safe pedestrian crossings.

Funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented by Nagoya Electric Works Company Limited, the Rs 720 million project aims to enhance traffic efficiency and reduce congestion in Bengaluru's core areas.

The anticipated benefits of MODERATO signals include a significant reduction in delays and queuing at covered junctions, potentially lowering congestion by up to 30%. This improvement in traffic management is crucial for Bengaluru, which ranked sixth globally among the most congested cities in 2023, according to TomTom's traffic index.

It's important to note that the ATSCS will not cover ten major congested junctions, primarily located on the Outer Ring Road and outskirts of the city. ?

Bengaluru has implemented a cutting-edge adaptive traffic signalling system based on Japanese 'MODERATO' technology, with the goal of alleviating traffic congestion. The system, as reported, dynamically adjusts traffic signals using real-time data. Following initial testing, the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) plans to deploy the innovative system at 28 major intersections in the city. Overseen by DULT, the project is currently in the testing phase at Kensington Road and Murphy Road signals, with full-scale testing scheduled to commence in the last week of February 2024. Successful testing could see all 28 signals operational by March 2024. The introduction of MODERATO technology for traffic signals was initially proposed in 2014 but faced delays, with work starting in July 2021 and expected completion by October 2022. Delays were attributed to issues with fixed timer systems, Covid-19 disruptions, underground utilities, and technical challenges. Upon completion of testing, the signals will be handed over to the traffic police, allowing for manual intervention for VIP and emergency vehicles, as the sensors primarily focus on vehicle density and not specific vehicle types. MODERATO technology, an acronym for Management of Origin-Destination Related Adaptation for Traffic Optimisation, employs real-time data to manage traffic efficiently. The system's sensors detect real-time traffic demand, automatically adjusting signals in response to changing conditions, eliminating the need for fixed timers. The Adaptive Traffic Signal Control System (ATSCS) includes signals for motorists and pedestrians, automatic traffic counters, and queue-length measurement systems. The central control software, MODERATO, optimises signal timing in real-time, ensuring safe pedestrian crossings. Funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implemented by Nagoya Electric Works Company Limited, the Rs 720 million project aims to enhance traffic efficiency and reduce congestion in Bengaluru's core areas. The anticipated benefits of MODERATO signals include a significant reduction in delays and queuing at covered junctions, potentially lowering congestion by up to 30%. This improvement in traffic management is crucial for Bengaluru, which ranked sixth globally among the most congested cities in 2023, according to TomTom's traffic index. It's important to note that the ATSCS will not cover ten major congested junctions, primarily located on the Outer Ring Road and outskirts of the city. ?