In a significant move to tackle chronic traffic snarls, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has switched on new, intelligent traffic signals at the infamous Basti Jodhewal Chowk. The automated, sensor-based system is designed to dynamically manage vehicle flow and cut down accident risks at this major intersection.
How the Smart Traffic Lights Work
The newly inaugurated traffic lights are a technological upgrade from the old fixed-timer systems. They are equipped with sensors that continuously monitor the volume of vehicles approaching the junction from all sides. Based on this real-time data, the system automatically adjusts the duration of the green and red signals. This responsive approach aims to ensure a smoother traffic flow, reducing the long waits and gridlock that have plagued the area for years.
Mayor Inderjit Kaur, who officially launched the system, highlighted the critical need for this intervention. She stated that Basti Jodhewal Chowk had been officially classified as a "black spot" due to the high frequency of accidents caused by heavy traffic congestion. "We have collaborated with the traffic police, and these automated traffic lights have been installed to ensure the smooth and safe movement of vehicles," the Mayor explained during the inauguration event.
A City-Wide Initiative for Smoother Roads
The installation at Basti Jodhewal is not a standalone project. It marks the beginning of a larger city-wide rollout worth approximately Rs 7.1 crore. The municipal body plans to deploy similar automated traffic management systems at 42 key junctions across Ludhiana.
This ambitious initiative will soon bring smart traffic control to other major and troublesome intersections. Upcoming locations include Tajpur Road Chowk and Tibba Road, among others. The presence of MLAs Daljit Grewal and Ashok Prashar, along with councillor Aman Bagga, at the launch underscored the project's importance for the city's infrastructure.
Expected Impact and Future Outlook
The primary goals of this smart traffic project are twofold: to drastically improve traffic flow and to enhance road safety by mitigating accident risks at identified black spots. By replacing rigid signal timers with adaptive technology, authorities hope to respond to the actual traffic conditions on the ground, which vary throughout the day.
If successful, this Rs 7.1 crore investment could serve as a model for other congested Indian cities seeking tech-driven solutions to urban mobility challenges. The move is seen as a step towards modernizing Ludhiana's transportation infrastructure and improving the daily commute for its residents.
