Bengaluru Traffic Police wins Centre's award for AI-driven traffic management

The Bengaluru Traffic Police has received the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry's Commendation Award in Urban Transport for its data-driven traffic management initiative, news agency Press Trust of India reported.The award recognises the use of large-scale data analysis for traffic operations, congestion management and transport planning based on evidence, according to a statement from the office of Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge.Kharge congratulated the Bengaluru Traffic Police and described the award as a proud recognition for Karnataka. He said the initiative would support the state's wider efforts to build safer, smoother and more efficient urban transport systems.“This recognition is a proud moment for Bengaluru Traffic Police. As our cities grow, we need to strengthen coordination between agencies and adopt smarter, technology-driven approaches to urban mobility. This capability will strengthen our upcoming Urban Mobility Mission, helping agencies plan together, respond faster and build safer, smoother mobility across Bengaluru,” the minister said. The award was presented at the closing session of the Urban Mobility India Conference 2026 at the Mayfair Sanctuary in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on October 24.The initiative uses artificial intelligence, large-scale data and real-time traffic information to improve traffic management, support emergency response and help plan urban transport in Bengaluru. At its centre is ASTraM, an integrated platform that collects information from traffic signals, CCTV systems, GPS feeds, road incidents, accidents, enforcement systems, maps and several government agencies. Bringing these sources together helps traffic managers anticipate problems and take informed action instead of responding only after congestion or other incidents occur, the statement said.A key part of the initiative is an AI-based traffic signal control system operating at 169 junctions. It allows signals to adjust according to real-time traffic demand. The platform also uses data from more than 6,500 Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses, manages over 2,400 emergency movements and supports more than 300 ambulances connected through ePath to provide them priority movement across the city.The initiative has led to an average reduction of 14 minutes in ambulance travel time and a 15-20 per cent improvement in average travel speeds, according to the award submission cited by PTI. It has also resulted in an estimated reduction of about 2,600 tonnes of emissions every month.Besides managing traffic in real time, the integrated system helps authorities identify congestion points, assess measures, prioritise infrastructure investment and improve coordination among agencies. It also supports road safety, emergency response and long-term urban transport planning, the statement said.The award recognises Bengaluru Traffic Police's use of AI and real-time data to manage congestion, improve emergency movement and support coordinated transport planning across the city.- Ends