THE PROBLEM

Krutika, who works alternating shifts as nurse, often drives to and

from work during non-peak hours. She frequently experiences
frustration due to long wait hours at red lights, especially when
there is little to no traffic, which wastes valuable time when she is
rushing to home.
Urban traffic systems are designed with the goal of ensuring safety and managing vehicle flow. However, these systems often
rely on static signal timing rather than adaptive control, leading to inefficiencies—especially during non-peak hours. Krutika, a
dedicated nurse working in alternating shifts, is one of many who face the brunt of this issue. Her daily commute often takes
place during off-peak times, yet she regularly encounters prolonged red lights at traffic signals, even when there's little to no
cross-traffic. This delay becomes particularly frustrating after long, demanding shifts when she's eager to return home and
rest.
Traditional traffic light system, which works based on fixed cycle can be a main reason for traffic jam, due to lack of
adaptation to road conditions. Traffic jam has a bad impact on drivers and road users due to the time delay it causes for road
users to reach their destinations. This delay can cause a life threat in case of emergency vehicles, such as ambulance vehicles
and police cars.

This issue was chosen due to its widespread impact on shift workers like Krutika, who contribute immensely to essential
services. Wasting time at empty intersections not only adds to commuter stress but also undermines overall traffic efficiency.
It points to a broader systemic flaw in traffic signal management that, if addressed, could significantly improve urban mobility
for many.

- To investigate the inefficiency of current traffic light systems during non-peak hours.
- To propose and evaluate adaptive traffic signal solutions that respond in real-time to actual traffic conditions.
- To highlight the human impact of poor traffic design by using Krutika's experience as a case study.
- To advocate for smarter infrastructure that enhances time efficiency and commuter well-being.
 DRIVERS CITY TRAFFIC
MANAGEMENT
personal or public AUTHORITIES
drivers

SMART CITY

USERS
PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATORS
TRANSIT
/ LOCAL
AGENCIES
GOVERNMENT
OFFICIALS

EMERGENCY LAW
SERVICES ENFORCEMENT
(AMBULANCE, (POLICE,
FIRE TRAFFIC
DEPARTMENT) POLICE)
01 I N P O I NT
A 05
Commuters are P S Delays add up,
forced to stop especially when
and wait at empty trying to get
intersections home to rest or
switch shifts.

02 04
Leads to
03 Slower Emergency
frustration, road Higher fuel costs Response (for certain
rage, or reduced and increased commuters)
driving focus. carbon emissions. Emergency workers
or on-call staff may
be delayed
unnecessarily.
FEASIBILITY
1. TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY 2. ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY 5. LEGAL & REGULATORY
High
Why: Moderate to High FEASIBILITY
Proven technologies already exist (e.g., AI- Why:
based traffic control, sensor-based Initial infrastructure cost is high, but long- Moderate
detection, camera systems). term savings from reduced fuel use, Why:
Many cities globally have begun piloting or improved traffic flow, and better May require policy updates to existing
deploying adaptive signal control (e.g., emergency response can offset traffic rules and municipal approval.
SCOOT, SCATS). investment. Data collection (e.g., cameras) must
Easily integrates with IoT and smart city Modular deployment is possible (start with comply with privacy and surveillance
platforms. critical intersections). regulations
What’s Needed:
Vehicle detection systems (loop sensors,
cameras, infrared).
Centralized traffic management software. 4. SOCIAL FEASIBILITY
6. ENVIRONMENTAL
High
Why: FEASIBILITY
Strong public support likely due to daily
3. OPERATIONAL commuter frustrations.
High
Benefits a wide range of users: shift
FEASIBILITY workers, emergency personnel, delivery
Why:
Reduces vehicle idling, lowering
drivers, etc.
High emissions and fuel consumption.
Impact:
Why: Aligns with sustainability and green city
Reduced stress, improved quality of life,
System can run autonomously once goals.
and better public perception of city
installed and fine-tuned.
infrastructure.
Minimal disruption to existing signal
infrastructure (can be retrofitted).
Real-time monitoring allows remote
adjustments by traffic control authorities.
 RELEVANCE TO THE USERS

This issue is relevant to a wide range of users, including:

Shift Workers: Individuals like Krutika, who work non-standard hours (nurses, security personnel, factory workers),
often travel when roads are relatively empty. Being forced to stop at unnecessary red lights delays them from
reaching home or work on time, affecting rest, performance, and well-being.

Everyday Commuters: Even regular drivers occasionally travel during off-hours. A more intelligent, adaptive traffic
light system could enhance everyone’s commute by reducing idling time.

City Planners & Transport Authorities: Understanding user frustration can guide smarter traffic infrastructure
planning, leading to improved traffic flow and reduced environmental impact.

Environmentally Conscious Citizens: Reducing idle time at signals helps decrease fuel waste and vehicle emissions,
making this a sustainability concern as well.

Tech Innovators & App Developers: There’s a growing demand for smart traffic solutions—using sensors, AI, or
connected vehicle technology—to address such inefficiencies.
 WHAT?
WHO?
They face unnecessary long
Commuters driving during non- wait times at red traffic
peak hours, such as night-shift lights, even when there is
workers, early morning little to no cross traffic.
employees, delivery drivers, and WHEN?
emergency service staff.
Primarily during non-peak
hours – late at night, early
morning, or during off-peak
midday periods.

WHERE?
WHY? At fixed-time signalized
Because traditional traffic intersections in urban and
lights operate on static timers suburban areas, where traffic
without considering real-time lights do not adapt to current
traffic volume, leading to road conditions.
inefficient traffic flow and
wasted time, fuel, and HOW?
increased frustration.
By implementing adaptive traffic
signal systems using sensors,
cameras, and AI algorithms to
detect actual traffic presence and
adjust light cycles dynamically,
improving efficiency and reducing
wait times.
 Non peak hour drivers

“I wish traffic signals would be

“Why do I have to wait so long at this smart which will detect real time
red light with no traffic around?” traffic and work accordingly.”
“I wish traffic signals would adjust “Waiting at traffic signal wastes
according to volume of traffic.” my time after a long shift in
“It’s so frustrating to wait even when hospital.”
there is little to no traffic on road.” “I need to find an another way to
“I just want to get home safely at night hospital which will save my time.”
and reduce unnecessary wait time.”

EMPATHY MAP
“I feel frustrated while waiting at traffic
signal unnecessarily especially after long
“I use navigation aps to see shifts.”
fastest route and see if there’s a “I find it irritating to wait at traffic signal
way to avoid traffic.” when there is no vehicle.”
“Take long or alternating routes “Long waits wastes valuable time and
to avoid traffic.” delays further work.”
“I feel helpless as I cannot do anything
about traffic light.”
 Peak hour drivers

“I wish there was a way to get out

“The traffic is so bad; it’s the same of this traffic and reach home
thing everyday.” relaxed.”
“Why is the signal taking so long I have “I need to find a faster route to
barely moved at each light.” avoid this peak hour traffic.”
“I need a way to get home faster.” “I am not able to spend my time
“This stop-and-go traffic is so annoying with my family due to this traffic.”
but I have to get used to it.” “I wish the traffic management
could have been better.”

EMPATHY MAP
“These delays waste my time and I am not
“I use navigation to find least able to reach work on time.”
congested route.” “I am frustrated by this repetitive stopping
“I try different routes daily in and moving.”
hope of reaching work and “These traffic cause unnecessary stress and
home at time.” unstablize mental health.”
“I try to leave home early to
reach work at time or vise-
versa.”
 AIM EXISTING SOLUTIONS
Lixed-Time Traffic Signals: Pre-set cycles regardless of traffic density—common but
To reduce unnecessary delays at traffic signals for off-peak hour drivers by
inefficient.
implementing intelligent, adaptive traffic systems that respond in real-time to Vehicle-Activated Sensors: Inductive loops or infrared sensors that detect vehicles and
actual traffic conditions—enhancing commuter experience, saving time, and adjust signals accordingly (limited to some urban areas).
conserving fuel. Manual Override Systems: Used by traffic police or emergency vehicles, but not
accessible to the average commuter.
Traffic Navigation Apps (e.g., Google Maps, Waze): Offer alternate route suggestions

challenges but don’t control or optimize signal timing.

Legacy Infrastructure: Many cities still use outdated, fixed-time

traffic lights not equipped with sensors or connectivity.
High Implementation Cost: Smart traffic systems require investment FUTURE DIRECTIONS
in hardware (cameras, sensors) and software integration. AI-Based Adaptive Signal Control: Implementing AI systems that analyze real-time
Policy and Regulation Hurdles: Changing traffic rules or deploying traffic via cameras and sensors to dynamically adjust signal timings.
adaptive systems often requires complex approvals and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication: Cars and traffic lights exchanging
coordination between government bodies. data to optimize flow—part of smart city innovations.
Lack of Awareness or Prioritization: Off-peak commuters may not Smartphone Integration: Apps that could sync with city traffic data to personalize
be a visible priority for urban planning authorities. routes or even request green waves for verified essential workers.
Privacy Concerns: Use of AI or camera-based systems can raise Policy Advocacy for Smart Traffic Zones: Promoting designated “smart commute
concerns about data usage and surveillance. corridors” for shift workers and emergency responders.
Sustainability Focus: Aligning smart traffic goals with environmental initiatives to
reduce emissions and improve air quality.
1. Real-Time Data Collection
The system uses various sensors to monitor traffic conditions:
CCTV cameras
Inductive loop detectors (embedded in the road)
Radar or LIDAR sensors
IoT devices (e.g., vehicle GPS, traffic apps)
These sensors gather data like:
Number of vehicles
Speed of vehicles
Vehicle types
Pedestrian movement

2. AI Algorithms Process the Data

Machine learning (ML) or deep learning (DL) models analyze this real-time data. These models are trained to:
Detect congestion
Predict traffic patterns
Classify vehicles (e.g., emergency vehicles, buses, bikes)
The AI can learn from historical and current traffic data to optimize decision-making.

3. Dynamic Signal Timing Adjustment

Based on the analysis, the AI system:
Adjusts the green/red light durations in real time
Prioritizes directions with higher traffic
Gives way to emergency vehicles or public transport
Synchronizes signals across intersections to create "green waves"
For example: If more vehicles are waiting on one road, the AI extends the green light for that direction.

4. Continuous Learning and Feedback

The system constantly updates itself by:
Learning from traffic outcomes (e.g., did congestion reduce?)
Improving models using reinforcement learning or other AI methods
So, over time, it gets better at predicting and managing traffic.