70 traffic signals in blinker mode have eased commuters’ summer woes in Ahmedabad

In a bid to ease commuter woes amid soaring temperatures, the Ahmedabad Traffic Department has put 70 traffic signals across the city on flash/blinker mode during the afternoon hours. The measure, which comes into effect during Yellow, Orange and Red Alerts for heatwaves, aims to prevent motorists from having to wait unnecessarily at red lights under the blazing sun.

The initiative, introduced by the office of the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), is designed not only to reduce the risk of heat exposure for commuters but also to cut down on power consumption at a time when traffic volumes tend to dip.

Between 12 noon and 4 pm, typically the hottest part of the day, signals at select low-traffic intersections now operate in blinker mode, allowing vehicles to pass through with caution rather than waiting for the lights to change. Of the 274 traffic signals in Ahmedabad, 70 have been put on blinker mode, while signal cycles at the remaining 204 have been shortened to reduce wait times during the afternoon.

Key junctions where the blinker mode has been activated

• Navrangpura Traffic Post: Vijay Char Rasta, Commerce Six Roads, St Xavier’s, Gulbai Tekra, Income Tax Circle, and Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge.
• B Traffic Post: Prabhat Chowk, Umiya Hall, Silver Star, Subhash Chowk, and Gurukul.
• F Traffic Post: Galaxy Crossroads, Krishnanagar Crossroads, and Noble T Junction.
• L Traffic Post: Chandkheda Crossroads, Vishwakarma Engineering College, Godrej Garden City, and Shahpur Crossroads.
• SG Highway: Thaltej, Gota Crossroads, and Sanand Circle.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) N N Chaudhari said, “Considering the intense heat forecast and the natural decline in traffic volume during midday hours, we’ve activated blinker mode at 70 low-traffic junctions. This will help commuters avoid prolonged exposure to the sun while ensuring that traffic flow remains smooth and safe.”

Officials added that the implementation would be monitored on the ground and adjusted as needed. Local traffic police stations have been instructed to respond promptly to complaints or operational issues that may arise due to the new arrangement.

This heat-responsive traffic measure comes as Ahmedabad, like much of Gujarat, faces recurring extreme weather warnings during the summer months. The move has been welcomed by many daily commuters, who say it helps cut down both fuel usage and exposure to harsh conditions during peak afternoon hours.