AI Signals Fail To Impress In Bengaluru, Public Joins Former Cop In Criticism

Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner and current BJP leader Bhaskar Rao has stirred debate over the city's newly implemented AI-powered traffic signals, calling them ineffective and counterproductive. Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday, Rao criticized the smart traffic system, claiming it is leading to longer waiting times and increasing reliance on manual overrides.

In his post, Rao stated that the artificial intelligence-based traffic lights were worsening commute times instead of improving them. He also drew parallels between the inefficiency of the new signals and the smart electric meters installed in auto rickshaws, which he said also require frequent manual intervention.

"The new signals with AI in Bengaluru seem to be counterproductive. Longer waiting time..!! Manual intervention is going on. Journey time is taking longer. Similar is the experience with Smart Electrical Meters, again manual intervention. Who in the Government is doing this," Rao posted.

He didn't stop there. Rao further criticized the functioning of digital systems in public services and took a jab at Karnataka's IT Minister Priyank Kharge, stating, "Exciting Intervention with IT...Brilliant IT Minister should also address constant 'Server Down' in Revenue and Sub Registrar offices. @PriyankKharge can leave Trump and Modi to run the world, he could address the Citizens Issues." He also tagged BESCOM, Bengaluru's electricity supply company, and the city's Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in his post.

Along with his comments, Rao shared a video featuring an auto rickshaw driver expressing frustration over the AI traffic signals. The driver echoed Rao's views, saying the older signal systems were more effective for daily commuting.

Rao's post gained significant attention, garnering over 13,000 views at the time this report was filed. The remarks have reignited public discussion on Bengaluru's persistent traffic issues. Several users weighed in on the matter, highlighting the apparent disconnect between the AI systems and the city's traffic realities.

One user commented, "Japanese have probably designed the algorithms considering lane discipline and roads of Japan. Tech is not translating to the chaos of our city." Another added, "VAC signals are a farce, they have set a fixed timing for pedestrians and it defeats the very purpose of vehicle authentication, some signals turn red after 15 seconds even though a long pile up is there."

Another user questioned the investment in the system altogether, stating, "The Japanese 'Moderato' AI traffic signals were just a huge waste of money! Instead of that, govt must've just speeded up metro construction."

As criticism mounts, it remains to be seen how the government and civic agencies respond to growing concerns over the effectiveness of AI in managing Bengaluru's complex traffic landscape.