Hyderabad traffic speeds up: 80 per cent signals now automated

In addition to utilising the services of drone cameras to monitor traffic, assistance from Google has been sought to further improve city’s traffic system, says Hyderabad Police Commissioner

Hyderabad: Traffic in Hyderabad is moving faster, with average vehicle speeds significantly increasing from 17-18 kmph to 24-25 kmph, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand said on Friday. The top cop attributed the improvement in movement of traffic to automated traffic signals and the efforts of Hyderabad Traffic Police personnel.

During a review meeting on urban traffic problems and solutions on Friday, Commissioner Anand revealed that approximately 80 per cent of the city’s traffic signals are now operating on auto mode, adding that this strategic shift is playing a crucial role in clearing traffic more quickly.

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The Commissioner highlighted the substantial challenge posed by rapid growth in vehicle numbers, with around 1,600 new vehicles joining city roads daily. Across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda, a staggering 91 lakh (9.1 million) vehicles are now in daily circulation.

To further improve Hyderabad’s traffic system, assistance from Google has been sought, in addition to utilising the services of drone cameras to monitor the traffic, the Commissioner said.

“Google, in addition to its Maps, is also providing us with technical support. With the cooperation of owners of multi-storey buildings in Hyderabad, we are installing 25 high-rise cameras on these buildings to obtain an eagle view,” he said.

While noting that ‘Operation Rope’ has yielded excellent results, the Commissioner said it would be strengthened further using a more scientific approach.

Regarding traffic violations, the Commissioner maintained that focus was on the quality of penalties rather than the quantity of fines imposed. This approach has led to a reduction in overall traffic fines.

Anand further said that due to shortage of traffic personnel in the city, they had introduced the ‘Traffic Marshal’ system. “We will provide them with training and utilise them for traffic control. Transgender individuals serving as traffic assistants are performing their duties exceptionally well, yielding positive results.”