IoT Based Smart Traffic Light Control System

This paper presents the design, implementation, and performance analysis of an IoT-based innovative traffic light control system deployed in Tumakuru Smart City, India. The system utilizes real-time congestion data to dynamically adjust signal timings, addressing the limitations of traditional fixed-time traffic management systems. We describe the system architecture incorporating infrared sensors, communication gateways, and an adaptive control algorithm implemented during an eight-week pilot deployment. Performance evaluation demonstrates significant improvements in traffic management efficiency, including a 22.8% reduction in average waiting time, a 28.6% decrease in maximum queue length, and an 18.9% increase in intersection throughput during peak hours. We discuss implementation challenges in the Indian urban context and recommend scaling such systems in emerging smart cities. This work contributes to the growing knowledge of practical, innovative city implementations in developing regions and demonstrates that meaningful urban mobility improvements can be achieved through targeted technological interventions, even with limited resources and compressed timeframes.