Tech city Bengaluru decides to bank on personnel to trim traffic woes

Bengaluru: As Bengaluru’s traffic troubles worsen despite technology, the police have turned to a familiar tactic: deploying more personnel at key junctions.

Technology will stay in use, but there will be more manual intervention with extra traffic cops and better coordination between tech and personnel.

"Manual intervention is key,” City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh told DH. State police chief MA Saleem agreed.

During his years as Bengaluru’s traffic chief, Saleem realised that Western technology is often ill suited to Indian cities. "For example, in the West, they have two modes of transport, cars and buses. Here, we have about 28. We also have the highest number of two-wheelers. The same technology cannot be applied here unless adapted," he explained.

A senior traffic official noted that more personnel would be needed to man every city junction. Mobility experts, however, advocate better public transport and smarter technology over manual policing.

Singh, the newly appointed top cop, outlined his immediate priorities.

Having served as Bengaluru’s DCP (Traffic) 18 years ago, Singh compared the traffic scene then and now. “Earlier, peak hours were confined to morning and evening. Now, some junctions experience peak-hour traffic even at 11 pm. We need to adapt to these changes,” he said.

Vehicle numbers are increasing every year, and while technology has advanced within the department, Singh feels something is missing. "Solely depending on technology is not the way forward. There must be a balanced mix of technology and manpower. All existing tech tools introduced by the  Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) will continue, but we will back them up with personnel to improve efficiency,” he said.

Singh believes while technology ensures transparency, human presence improves regulation on the ground. "Every morning, Bengaluru sees thousands entering the city through points like Hebbal and Kengeri. In such situations, we have noticed that manual intervention works best,” he added.

The plan involves traffic officials across all ranks. “This is not just for constables. DCPs and ACPs have also been asked to man junctions during peak hours,” he said.

Singh emphasised that on-ground presence is especially crucial during accidents.
“If a crash occurs during peak hours and a vehicle blocks the road, and no officer is present, it only worsens the congestion. It leads to chaos, making it hard for our teams to reach the spot and clear the blockage in time. This can be prevented,” he explained.

Bus push for tech parks

With traffic on the Outer Ring Road up 45% from last year, Singh is urging tech parks to introduce dedicated bus services.

Citing the BMTC’s efficient airport service, Singh suggested a similar model for tech park routes. “We have asked the BTP, BMTC and RTOs to meet big tech parks and make presentations on how this can help. We can identify popular routes and start there. Even if 10-20% of commuters shift to these buses, it will ease congestion,” he said.

Singh also requested all government and allied offices to inform BTP about events in advance. "Be it a parade or festival, requests often reach us at the last minute. If informed early, we can study the expected traffic and deploy officers or plan diversions accordingly,” he added.

Japanese signals to return

After an unsatisfactory trial of the Japanese technology-powered ‘MODERATO’ signal system in mid-2024, a full rollout was shelved.

“There were glitches in the project, but we are in touch with the Japanese consulate. The issues are being resolved, and the signals will return,” Singh confirmed.

Recent tech upgrades to the BTP include AI-based signalling, drone surveillance, and the ASTraM traffic management app.

Shortstaffing addressed

On concerns about staffing shortages, Singh said, “Vacancies have been addressed, and training is ongoing. We have also asked the law and order police to assist when required.”

Saleem believes the department is already well-equipped. “We have 5,500 traffic officials, supported by 600 home guards and traffic wardens. It is the highest strength in the country. We need to put them to good use,” he said.

Critical voices

Traffic expert MN Sreehari believes Bengaluru’s traffic crisis will ease only when the government tackles the city’s unbalanced growth.

“Development must spread to other parts of Karnataka. Until then, traffic problems here will persist. Increasing manpower is an eyewash,” he said.

A mobility activist argued that boosting manpower alone will have limited impact. “We already have enough personnel. Instead of assigning them to VIP duties, deploy them efficiently. Focus funds on public transport improvements,” he said.