Traffic officials and Smart City authorities in the city have collaborated to readjust the timings of traffic signals installed under the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS). The primary goal is to minimise waiting times for vehicles at intersections, mitigate signal jumping instances, and facilitate smoother vehicular flow to prevent congestion. Recent weeks have witnessed frequent traffic jams, partly attributed to mismatches in signal timings and a propensity among drivers to ignore signals due to extended waiting periods. Among the 276 junctions in the city, 101 already have operational ITMS signals, with plans to install these advanced systems at 125 crossings. The correction process has already begun, targeting junctions with excessively lengthy signal timings and those disrupting the seamless merging of vehicles into the main traffic flow.
The chief knowledge officer of Pune Smart City emphasised a methodical approach involving coordination with traffic police to fine-tune signal timings based on the specific nature of each junction. The aim is to align timings with peak traffic hours and vehicle movement patterns, adhering to the waiting capacity of motorists outlined by the Indian Road Congress. Notably, signals on major roads like Ahmednagar Road, Solapur Road, Ganeshkhind Road, and Paud Road, which previously exceeded 240 seconds, have been adjusted. Last week's system glitch, causing traffic jams, has been resolved. The collaboration between traffic officials and Smart City authorities underscores the commitment to efficient traffic management and enhanced road safety.