The traffic signals at Dakbungalow roundabout in Patna. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

The red light means “stop”, amber is to “get set” and the green means “go”. The commuters are learning it all over again in the city plagued by defunct traffic signals for years.

The traffic signals at Dakbungalow roundabout in the heart of the city have been turned on manually since June 25. They are being used on an experimental basis to teach people what traffic signals are all about.

“The traffic signal at the Dakbungalow roundabout has been changed into the manual mode for experiment. Based on its success, further decisions would be taken. Though at present nothing can be said definitely, the police have plans to revive the traffic signals in the city. The decision on whether the signals would be manual or electronic would be taken in a later phase,” senior superintendent of police Manu Maharaj told The Telegraph.

At present, the city has traffic signals at 17 locations, including Income Tax, Station Road, Boring Road and Hartali More squares.

These signals, all electronically operated, were installed in 2005. Calcutta-based Webel Mediatronics was awarded the contract of installing and maintaining them at an annual cost of Rs 1.19 crore. But the signals developed snags the same year and conked out.

Police officers said commuters were presently being given lessons to relearn the traffic signal rules.

“The signals had been out of order for a long time and the people of Patna have literally forgotten to abide by them. The electronic signals at the Dakbungalow roundabout have been changed into manual and a traffic constable is operating it. At present, the police have not set a time for the red, amber or green lights. The traffic pressure on all the sides of the roundabout is checked and the lights are changed accordingly. There is some confusion about the signals. Many people do not understand them and jump the signals. A constable stands at the centre of the roundabout to direct people in case of confusion. This is a learning process for the people and can be called a rehash course. We hope people will understand the rules quickly,” a police officer told The Telegraph on condition of anonymity.

“The Dakbungalow roundabout is the busiest place in the city and almost all the commuters pass through the area at least once a day. So, the experiment has been started here. Once people understand the significance of the lights, the signals would be revived across the city,” the officer added.