Using Artificial Intelligence to Manage City Traffic and Religious Pilgrimages

May 14, 2026, 15:48
IndiaTechnology

Introduction

Indian government agencies are planning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve traffic flow in Prayagraj and increase safety for pilgrims during the Hajj.

Main Body

In Prayagraj, the traffic department and the Smart City project are developing a plan to install AI-powered traffic lights at 229 intersections. This change is necessary because the number of registered vehicles has grown significantly, increasing by an average of 95,266 per year between 2016 and 2025. DCP Neeraj Pandey emphasized that the current system of fixed timers cannot handle the changing density of traffic in real-time. Consequently, the new system will use CCTV cameras to adjust signal timings, which will help reduce traffic jams during major events like the Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela. However, the project requires expensive software licenses for every lane. At the same time, the Ministry of Minority Affairs is using new technology to modernize how they manage public services. Secretary Srivatsa Krishna stated that the ministry plans to use AI on a large scale for the 2027 Hajj to improve safety and efficiency. This follows the successful use of 'Hajj Suvidha' smartwatches, which were given to over 120,000 pilgrims to monitor their health and provide emergency contact. Although network congestion in crowded areas like Mina and Arafat creates challenges, the ministry asserts that these digital tools are essential for better supporting pilgrims.

Conclusion

Both of these projects show a shift toward using data-driven management to handle large crowds and reduce urban traffic congestion.

Learning

⚡ The 'Cause and Effect' Bridge

An A2 student usually says: "Traffic is bad, so they use AI."

A B2 student connects ideas using logical connectors to show a professional relationship between two facts.

🛠️ From Simple to Sophisticated

Look at how the text moves away from simple words like 'so' or 'because' and uses these B2-level 'bridges':

  1. "Consequently" →\rightarrow Used to show a direct result.

    • A2 Style: Traffic is heavy, so the system needs to change.
    • B2 Style: The fixed timers cannot handle the density; consequently, the new system will use CCTV.

  2. "Due to/Because of" (Implied context) →\rightarrow The text mentions the increase in vehicles as the reason the change is "necessary." Instead of just saying "it is necessary because...", B2 learners use adjectives like essential or necessary to link a problem to a solution.

  3. "Although" →\rightarrow This creates a 'contrast' bridge. It allows you to acknowledge a problem while still supporting your main point.

    • Example: Although network congestion creates challenges, the tools are essential.

🚀 Power-Up Your Vocabulary

Stop using "big" or "many." Use these Precision Words found in the text to sound more fluent:

  • Big/Many →\rightarrow Significantly (e.g., "grown significantly")
  • Crowded/Many cars →\rightarrow Congestion (e.g., "urban traffic congestion")
  • Helpful/Good →\rightarrow Efficiency (e.g., "improve safety and efficiency")

Coach's Tip: To hit B2, stop treating sentences like separate bricks. Use Consequently and Although as the cement that holds your ideas together.

Vocabulary Learning

artificial (adj.)
Made or produced by humans rather than occurring naturally.
Example:Artificial intelligence can help manage city traffic more efficiently.
intelligence (n.)
The ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge.
Example:The system uses advanced intelligence to predict congestion.
traffic (n.)
The movement of vehicles or people along roads.
Example:Heavy traffic on the highway caused significant delays.
flow (n.)
The smooth and continuous movement of something.
Example:The flow of vehicles at the intersection was disrupted by the new lights.
intersections (n.)
Places where two or more roads cross.
Example:The city plans to install AI‑powered lights at 229 intersections.
registered (adj.)
Officially recorded or listed.
Example:The number of registered vehicles has grown significantly.
density (n.)
The amount of something in a given area.
Example:The traffic density increases during peak hours.
real‑time (adj.)
Occurring or processed immediately, without delay.
Example:The system adjusts signal timings in real‑time.
reduce (v.)
To make something smaller or less.
Example:The new system will reduce traffic jams during major events.
expensive (adj.)
Costing a lot of money.
Example:The software licenses for each lane are expensive.
modernize (v.)
To update or bring into current use.
Example:The ministry aims to modernize public services with new technology.
efficiency (n.)
The ability to achieve a result with minimal waste.
Example:Improving efficiency helps reduce the time pilgrims spend in crowds.
monitor (v.)
To observe or check the progress or quality of something.
Example:The smartwatches monitor pilgrims' health during the Hajj.
congestion (n.)
A large number of people or vehicles in a small area.
Example:Network congestion in crowded areas creates challenges for communication.
essential (adj.)
Absolutely necessary or very important.
Example:Digital tools are essential for better supporting pilgrims.