There are two types of traffic signals: Traffic-actuated signals are programmed to respond to changes in the flow of traffic. The length of green phase varies accordingly, heavier traffic flows receive proportionately longer green times. The second, fixed-time signals, change from red to green at fixed intervals. At present, all the traffic signals in the city are fixed-time.

Officials said the system comes in handy during the peak hours when traffic on one of the three to four sides need longer time to pass through compared to the others. Sensors will be installed on the traffic lights to monitor the rush and roads with heavy traffic would be preferred for the system.

H S Doon, Superintendent of Police (Traffic), said: “There are several intersections where fixed-time lights fail to manage the traffic. Our personnel manually manage the rush to avoid chaos and jams. But the Vehicle Actuated System will streamline the traffic flow and the personnel would be spared for other better things.”

The stretch from Hotel South End roundabout to Government Press traffic lights witnesses heavy chaos daily, especially during peak hours. The points fall almost in the centre of the tricity and traffic converges at all points at these intersections. There are also a lot of commercial and business establishments on the stretch and a number of people visit the area daily.