Japanese smart signals failed at seven traffic signals in Bengaluru

05 Jul 2024 CW Team

Trials of the Japanese technology-powered smart signals in Bengaluru encountered issues at seven traffic junctions, delaying the project's full implementation, according to officials.

The adaptive signal project, called "Management of Origin-Destination Related Adaptation for Traffic Optimisation" (MODERATO), is funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims to be deployed at 28 junctions. In the first phase, 10 junctions were tested, including Shoolay Circle, Kensington Road Junction, and the 80 Feet Road Junction in Indiranagar. However, successful trials were reported only at three junctions: 100 Feet Road Junction in Indiranagar, Mother Teresa Junction on Richmond Road, and Opera House Junction on Residency Road.

A traffic police source noted that the signal systems need adjustments to fit the city's traffic conditions, leading to the trial glitches. Currently, there is no mechanism to manually override the systems in emergencies, such as creating a corridor for ambulances.

Officials from the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) stated that the systems are being fine-tuned at 25 junctions, with trial operations for the remaining three junctions expected to commence shortly. The trials will continue until the end of July for further observation. The DULT clarified that manual control provisions are available to facilitate emergency vehicle movement.

Earlier this year, signal trials at the Kensington Road-Murphy Road junction and Queen's Circle faced issues, raising concerns about the system's reliability in the local context. The project, first announced in 2014, saw delays due to customs clearance and permissions for civil works. Initial construction began in October 2022, with signal commissioning expected by September 2023. Former DULT Commissioner Manjula V cited these administrative hurdles as reasons for the delay.

Under optimal traffic conditions, the MODERATO signals are projected to reduce vehicle queue lengths by approximately 30% at the junctions.

(Source: Deccan Herald)

Trials of the Japanese technology-powered smart signals in Bengaluru encountered issues at seven traffic junctions, delaying the project's full implementation, according to officials. The adaptive signal project, called Management of Origin-Destination Related Adaptation for Traffic Optimisation (MODERATO), is funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims to be deployed at 28 junctions. In the first phase, 10 junctions were tested, including Shoolay Circle, Kensington Road Junction, and the 80 Feet Road Junction in Indiranagar. However, successful trials were reported only at three junctions: 100 Feet Road Junction in Indiranagar, Mother Teresa Junction on Richmond Road, and Opera House Junction on Residency Road. A traffic police source noted that the signal systems need adjustments to fit the city's traffic conditions, leading to the trial glitches. Currently, there is no mechanism to manually override the systems in emergencies, such as creating a corridor for ambulances. Officials from the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) stated that the systems are being fine-tuned at 25 junctions, with trial operations for the remaining three junctions expected to commence shortly. The trials will continue until the end of July for further observation. The DULT clarified that manual control provisions are available to facilitate emergency vehicle movement. Earlier this year, signal trials at the Kensington Road-Murphy Road junction and Queen's Circle faced issues, raising concerns about the system's reliability in the local context. The project, first announced in 2014, saw delays due to customs clearance and permissions for civil works. Initial construction began in October 2022, with signal commissioning expected by September 2023. Former DULT Commissioner Manjula V cited these administrative hurdles as reasons for the delay. Under optimal traffic conditions, the MODERATO signals are projected to reduce vehicle queue lengths by approximately 30% at the junctions. (Source: Deccan Herald)

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..