VAC Systems in India: A Necessity?

Today, I saw something called VAC while driving to work on traffic signal board and wondered what it was?

India’s growing urban population and increasing vehicle ownership have outpaced infrastructure development, leading to traffic bottlenecks, higher emissions, and a decline in road safety. According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), road congestion in Indian cities results in economic losses of up to ₹1.47 lakh crore annually. Congestion also contributes to higher fuel consumption and increased pollution, exacerbating environmental concerns.

But, What is a VAC System?

Variable Access Control (VAC) systems use a combination of technologies such as surveillance cameras, sensors, and real-time data analytics to dynamically manage traffic. VAC systems aim to reduce congestion by adjusting access to specific areas based on factors like vehicle volume, time of day, and road capacity. These systems are integrated with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to optimise traffic flow, reduce delays, and enhance overall urban mobility.

VAC systems are being seen as a potential remedy to these problems, offering a scalable, data-driven approach to traffic management. By controlling access to heavily congested areas and adjusting traffic flow dynamically, VAC can improve travel times and reduce the burden on existing infrastructure.

Key components of VAC systems include:

• Opening or closing lanes depending on traffic density.
• Adjusting speed limits in real-time to manage flow.
• Charging variable toll rates depending on congestion levels.
• Limiting access to certain areas, especially during peak hours or for certain types of vehicles.

Traffic Challenges in Bangalore

I personally live in Bangalore for almost 4 years now. It is often labeled as India’s “Silicon Valley,” suffers from some of the worst traffic congestion in the country. The city experimented with dynamic tolling on the Outer Ring Road, a critical corridor connecting the city’s IT hubs. The VAC system adjusts toll rates based on real-time traffic conditions, encouraging drivers to choose alternate routes or times for travel.

This approach has shown promising results. A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) revealed a 12% reduction in traffic volume during peak hours, attributed mainly to the adaptive toll pricing that incentivizes off-peak travel. Additionally, travel time on the Outer Ring Road improved by approximately 18%.

Conclusion

VAC systems are proving to be an innovative and impactful solution to the growing traffic congestion in Indian cities. In fact, a necessity for Indian traffic control. Through dynamic lane control, variable tolling, and intelligent traffic management, cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are experiencing measurable improvements in travel times, vehicle volume, and overall traffic flow. With continued investment and public acceptance, VAC systems could pave the way for smarter, more efficient urban mobility across India.