Motorists moving through Chennai's busiest junctions are now saving between 10% and 15% of their usual waiting time, according to data released by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), which credited the figures to its Intelligent Transport System (ITS).
The adaptive traffic control system, installed at 105 signals across the city, continuously monitors live traffic conditions at each intersection and automatically adjusts the duration of green lights for each approach. Instead of relying on fixed timers that often leave one direction empty while another queue builds up, the system prioritises lanes with heavier vehicle flow, ensuring signals respond dynamically to actual road conditions throughout the day.
GCC officials said the technology uses sensors and cameras placed at junctions to detect the volume and speed of vehicles approaching from all directions. This data is fed into a central processing unit that recalibrates signal timings in real time, reducing idle waiting during off-peak hours and preventing excessive build-up during congested periods.
The rollout forms part of Chennai's broader efforts to ease chronic traffic congestion in a city that sees millions of commuter trips daily. The corporation has begun expanding coverage beyond the initial 105 signals, though details about future deployment targets were not disclosed.
Traffic experts welcomed the initiative, noting that traditional fixed-timing signals often fail to match the ebb and flow of urban traffic. Adaptive systems like the one now operating in Chennai are being adopted by several Indian cities as a cost-effective first step toward smart traffic management before moving to more comprehensive intelligent transport frameworks.
The corporation stated that further performance data would be shared in the coming months, including average journey-time reductions across major corridors.
