Pune: PCMC to Test AI-Powered Traffic Signals at Two Moshi Junctions

Pimpri Chinchwad, 16th October 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will install an AI-powered Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) at two congested junctions in Moshi within the next 15 days to ease traffic congestion. The system will initially be tested on a pilot basis before being extended to other junctions if successful.

The pilot project will cover Moshi Gaothan and Bharatmata junctions on the Pune-Nashik highway. The system will adjust signal timings according to real-time traffic demand, helping reduce waiting time and congestion.

According to the civic body’s 2025-26 Environment Status Report, Pimpri Chinchwad has 30,00,754 registered vehicles, even as its population has crossed 30 lakh. The rapid rise in vehicle numbers has put pressure on the city’s road network, with congestion reported on major roads as well as narrow internal streets.

The city has around 2,073 km of paved and unpaved roads, ranging from 12 to 80 feet in width. Traffic signals have been installed at 154 junctions, but congestion persists at several locations despite the existing systems.

Municipal commissioner Dr Vijay Suryawanshi has directed the electrical department to explore AI-based adaptive traffic signals at congestion-prone junctions.

“ATCS helps manage traffic on busy roads by studying congestion patterns and adjusting signal timings accordingly. The system is already operational in Nagpur and other cities. We will install it at two busy junctions in Moshi within 15 days and conduct trials for seven days to assess its impact on congestion. If successful, the system will be introduced at other junctions in phases,” said Mahesh Kawale, joint city engineer, electrical department, PCMC.

The civic body also plans to use CCTV cameras already installed at various junctions for the system.

Unlike conventional traffic signals that operate on fixed timings, ATCS monitors traffic volume and adjusts signal durations based on real-time demand. This can reduce unnecessary waiting at red lights when roads are relatively clear and improve traffic flow during peak hours.

Some of the city’s identified congestion hotspots include Mukai Chowk, Godown Chowk, Finolex Chowk, Bharatmata Chowk, Khandoba Mala Chowk, Borhadewasti Chowk, Triveninagar Chowk, Nashik Phata, Laxmi Chowk, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk, Pimpri Chowk, Bhujbal Chowk, Tathawade underpass, Kala Khadak Road, Talawade Chowk, Bhumkar Chowk, the Phoenix Mall area, Kashid Park, Bhosari bus stand, Punawale Bridge underpass, Chikhali Chowk, Dehu Phata, Tilak Bridge, Dapodi Metro station, Ganeshnagar Chowk and Dange Chowk.