Shelving a potential solution

Thanks to the terrible condition of City roads, the authorities have decided against changing over to Dynamic Vehicle Actuated Traffic Signals (DVAS). However, traffic dvisors and motorists believe that this might not be the right decision. Many of them say that introducing DVAS might actually help in easing the traffic congestion in the City.

Traffic advisor and consultant M N Sreehari explains that such signals are controlled by the vehicular flow.

   “Traffic flow on City roads fluctuates between heavy and light. We have to change the signal duration according to the movement of the traffic. To put it simply, the DVAS is controlled by the vehicles. There are sensors which are placed beneath the roads — they sense the vehicular movement and the capacity of vehicles in and around the area and change the signals accordingly. This would be useful in a city like Bangalore as this system will optimise and control the traffic flow,” he points out.

   The traffic authorities seem to have considered the idea. However, they didn’t go through with it as they felt it wouldn’t make sense given the condition of the roads.
   M A Saleem, additional commissioner of police (traffic and law and order), says that these devices are expensive and don’t match the conditions of the roads in the City.

   “One such signal costs around Rs 15 lakh. Besides, our roads are frequently dug up for some or the other reason and hence, the devices are damaged. The roads are asphalted frequently, which is why it is difficult to install such a device. In this situation, it is better to opt for a centrally-controlled system. Currently, we are using centrally-controlled signals that are monitored from our control room. Previously,
Delhi had also installed DVAS but it was removed later for the same reason. Small cities like Thiruvananthapuram can use such a device as the roads are not dug up frequently,” he points out.

However, many motorists point out that installing DVAS would mean they wouldn’t have to wait at a signal unnecessarily. “There are times when a route has very little traffic but motorists still have to wait for long periods of time at a signal. This is a waste of time and money. DVAS will solve that problem,” says Ajith, a motorist.
Others add that it will help ease the traffic flow at major junctions that connect four or more roads.

   “These devices will help regulate traffic as busy junctions. And since they work with sensors, there’s no need to depute a police official at that point. DVAS will save money as well as time,” says Sunil, a student.