Bengaluru: Now you can see traffic signal timers on app, a first in India

Motorists in Bengaluru can now view real-time traffic signal countdowns on their mobile phones. The city traffic police, in partnership with navigation app Mappls, have launched a new feature that displays signal timers along a commuter’s route. This is the first time such a feature has been introduced in India, a TOI report stated.

Real-time traffic data for drivers

The feature is currently available at 169 junctions that use Vehicle Actuated Control (VAC) signals. These signals use artificial intelligence to adjust timings based on live traffic flow. With Mappls integration, the same countdown visible on signal poles can now be seen on mobile screens.

“As the real traffic signal counts down, you see the same on the map inside the Mappls app. Magical and helpful,” said Rohan Verma, director of MapmyIndia, the company behind Mappls, in a post on X. Along with route and congestion details, the app now shows waiting time above the vehicle cursor, helping drivers plan movement across junctions.

Making wait times more predictable

Officials said the move aims to fix one of the main complaints about VAC signals, unpredictable waiting periods. By showing timers ahead of junctions, commuters can anticipate delays and avoid unnecessary honking or lane changes.

“This technology works when signals operate in VAC mode. Sometimes, when they are manually controlled, this information will not be available,” said a senior traffic police officer. The officer added that countdowns for more junctions will be added soon to help in better route planning.

Experts call for signal synchronisation

Mobility experts have welcomed the initiative but say that Bengaluru should now focus on synchronising signals along major roads.

“What they should focus on is a better signal synchronisation system so that when a motorist starts from one signal, they reach the next just as it turns green,” said Prof Ashish Verma, convenor of the Sustainable Mobility Lab at the Indian Institute of Science.

“For example, MG Road has a series of signals — if they are coordinated, vehicles can move smoothly without unnecessary stops. You can create all kinds of technology, but it should add value to the existing system.”

Towards a smarter commute

The integration marks a small but significant step toward using real-time data to improve traffic management. For Bengaluru’s daily commuters, it could make navigating the city’s roads a little more predictable.