Pedestrian signals get timers in Bengaluru

Pedestrians in the city have often found it difficult to cross roads, especially busy junctions, despite the presence of pedestrian signals as the green light glows only for a few seconds before the traffic starts moving. Now, just like timers for traffic signals, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has installed timers for pedestrian signals in some parts of the city.

Pedestrians in the city have often found it difficult to cross roads, especially busy junctions, despite the presence of pedestrian signals, as the green light glows only for a few seconds before the traffic starts moving. Now, just like timers for traffic signals, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has installed timers for pedestrian signals in some parts of the city.

These timers have been installed in 165 signals under the AI-powered Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) signals.  

“In many parts of the Central Business District (CBD), especially at the junction near General Post Office (GPO) or Balekundri Circle, I used to cross the road in installments as the vehicles would start moving by the time I was done covering half the distance. Last week, I noticed that even pedestrian signals have timers now and if I have more than 10 seconds left, then I easily cross the road without worrying about traffic,” said Rajeshwari. S, a government employee who works in the CBD. 

The traffic police said that these timers have been installed for two reasons. “The first is obviously pedestrian safety while crossing roads. The second is to promote better traffic flow. Pedestrians usually have no idea of when signals change and if they keep walking around all the time, it affects traffic flow. Instead of mixed flow, segregating pedestrian traffic will help vehicular traffic move better,” M.N. Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), told The Hindu. 

The timers have currently been installed in the south and west divisions of the BTP along with the CBD area. “This is phase 1 of ATCS signals and as and when the project expands, more pedestrian signals will get these timers,” Mr. Anucheth said. 

Pedestrian safety on Bengaluru roads has long been a concern. The traffic police noted that this year, the number of fatalities in pedestrian accidents dropped compared to previous years.  

In 2022, there were 1,034 pedestrian accidents, out of which 248 were fatal. In 2023, 1,260 pedestrian accidents occurred with 284 fatal accidents that claimed 287 lives. This year (up to November 30), there have been 1,069 pedestrian accidents with 217 fatalities.