The adoption of Japanese technology aimed at easing traffic congestion in Bengaluru has encountered significant setbacks during its trial phase. Known as Moderato (MODERATO), the smart signal system was piloted at ten junctions across the city, including prominent locations like Sholay Circle, Kensington Road Junction, and 80 Feet Road Junction in Indiranagar. However, reports indicate that the system failed to perform effectively at seven of these junctions, raising doubts about its broader implementation.
According to traffic police sources quoted by ‘Deccan Herald’, the Moderato system demonstrated success only at three junctions during initial trials. These successful implementations were noted at 100 Feet Road Junction in Indiranagar, Mother Teresa Junction on Richmond Road, and Opera House Junction on Residency Road.
The challenges cited include the system’s inability to update signals dynamically based on real-time traffic conditions across the city. Additionally, there is a critical lack of provisions in the Japanese technology for manual overrides during emergencies, such as creating separate corridors for ambulance movements.
Currently, efforts are underway to upgrade a total of 25 junctions with the latest Japanese technology for signal adaptation. The remaining three junctions will undergo trial operations until the end of July. Sources indicate that measures will be taken to enable manual control to facilitate emergency vehicle movements.
The installation of Moderato technology at Kensington Road and Murphy Road junctions commenced in February, with official test operations beginning later that month. Deepa Cholan, Commissioner of the Urban Land Transport Directorate overseeing the project, provided these details.
