Logic in traffic signal algorithm

Sir,

With the ever-increasing traffic in Mysuru, it is high time our District Authorities and City Traffic Police applied some logic and common sense to the city’s traffic light system.

Improve lane discipline: Vehicles turning right should be stopped, while straight-moving vehicles from the opposite direction are allowed to go. The green light window for straight-going vehicles should be at least two to three times longer than that for right-turning vehicles. Without proper lane discipline, right-turning vehicles occupy the centre lane, while straight-moving vehicles end up on the right side, causing chaos when the green light appears, resulting in no smooth movement for anyone. This adjustment will also ensure that those travelling straight on main roads like Hunsur Road, JLB Road or Bogadi Road, which have multiple signals at short distances, get a continuous green flow most of the time, except when turning right.

For T-junctions: At a few intersections shaped like a ‘T’ — for instance, the one opposite Kalamandira — the current system may be retained, with only a brief stop for straight-moving vehicles that face no crossing traffic. Remove humps and barricades near signals: All road humps and barricades placed just before signals should be removed. Even when the signal turns green, vehicles move sluggishly because of these obstacles.

Reposition signal lights and fix obstructions: Several signal lights are placed right on the road, blocking vehicles that want to turn left, such as at the JLB Road-New Kantharaj Urs Road intersection (Vedanta Hemmige Circle). Additionally, a protruding manhole near the intersection makes only one-and-a-half lanes usable out of the two available opposite the Panchavati Hotel.

Clear encroachments near signals: Unauthorised food vendors and haphazard parking by their customers near traffic signals create unnecessary congestion and confusion. These must be cleared on a war-footing.

It is hoped that the Traffic Police will work in close coordination with civic authorities to ensure that Namma Mysuru can truly compete with the best-managed cities in the country.

– Ananda Kumar, Mysuru, 6.11.2025

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