How AI can help in traffic management

Artificial intelligence is usually associated with smart gadgets, voice recognition systems, search engines and even healthcare – but traffic management? If the headline of this story has you puzzled, we are here with some interesting news on how AI is about to change the horrid traffic of Indian cities like Delhi, Bangalore or Mumbai. AI based traffic management is poised to revamp urban transportation, relieving bottlenecks and signalling mismanagement that routinely choke our urban roads.  

How will AI help in managing traffic?  
AI has 2 weapons to deal with traffic: Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) an Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS). Let’s see what happens when we apply them.  

What is ITMS?  
ITMS is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based application coupled with cameras installed at the traffic junctions. We are familiar with this already. They help to detect and identify vehicles disobeying traffic rules and generate real-time alerts with the police. Now ITMS will also automatically fine the offenders as per law, and surprise the violators by sending e-challans to them electronically. Each e-challan will have supporting evidence data as snapshots and videos. 

What is ATCS? 
Based on the information received from ITMS cameras, ATCS will alter traffic signal cycles real-time in response to changing traffic conditions. This is partially in place. Once fully operational, ATCS will cut down waiting time at traffic signals by almost half! Besides, it will help city traffic authorities to understand ground situations and traffic trends across the city, helping them with a whole range of services from planning flyovers to deploying more personnel at trouble spots.   

What are the benefits of ITMS and ATCS?  
The two-pronged AI machinery will help tackle bottlenecks, reduce delays in decision, pre-empt traffic trends, and of course, enforce road discipline. It will make our roads safer for commuters, drivers and pedestrians. With less time spent in traffic, the AI driven system is expected to reduce carbon emissions and lower the pollution level. With private car traffic increasing in all Asian cities, and Indian Metros in particular, the AI systems ought to come as a blessing to us.