Vijayawada: A recently installed traffic signal system in Vijayawada has led to unexpected challenges for motorists, as the new signals are placed behind old, inactive lights that are yet to be removed. This setup has left drivers struggling to clearly view the operational lights, adding to their daily commute frustrations.
In Vijayawada, updating traffic signals has become a biennial routine. In 2021, city authorities introduced LED traffic lights and large bollards at key intersections to streamline traffic management. Despite functioning well initially, the authorities recently opted to upgrade to an intelligent traffic management system, requiring new signal installations. However, instead of using the existing sturdy iron poles from the previous setup, new poles were erected, leading to criticism from local civic organisations.
The taxpayers associations and other advocacy groups have voiced concerns about this choice, arguing that existing poles could have accommodated the new lights, potentially saving taxpayer money. “Leaving the strong iron poles unused and erecting new ones seems like a misuse of funds. Changing traffic lights is fine, but discarding functional poles and setting up new poles without removing the old one is confusing,” said CPI NTR district secretary Donepudi Shankar.
Motorists, too, are frustrated, reporting difficulties in distinguishing between active and inactive signals. “It’s challenging to know if the green light is on or not. The old, unlit signals obstruct our view of the new lights,” said K. Nageswara Rao, a motorist.
In response, town planning officials from the Vijayawada City Council explained that the decision was based on a technical assessment that deemed the old poles unsuitable for the latest intelligent traffic system. They assured that the redundant poles and outdated signals would soon be removed to improve visibility and reduce confusion.
