Bhubaneswar: The smart traffic signal system, which runs on an automatic platform and controls the movement of vehicles based on their density captured on sensor data, continues to confuse commuters at several junctions here.

Commuters complain that the signals are functioning haphazardly leading to chaos and collision of vehicles at these junctions.

"The earlier timer system was good. Now we don't know when the light will turn green or red," said commuter Nirakar Moharana.

Besides, the problems of automatic lighting, the situation is getting worse at junctions where traffic personnel leave their posts in the hope that the lights will control traffic more efficiently.

"The signals are working perfectly, but people are not abiding by it," said a cop deployed at Patel Marg Square.

Under the Smart City Mission, there are plans to install the smart traffic signals at 58 junctions. The authorities also plan to introduce pelican system at 14 places. This will ensure control of the pedestrians over zebra crossings. Sources said the new system is working at more than 50 junctions.

Things are going quite smooth at junctions guarded by more traffic personnel. However, the smaller junctions are in a bigger mess. Part of the problem is that these places don't have traffic cops.

Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said the new signals were on trial. "The lights will be controlled through our command control centre and this will end confusion. People will soon get used to the modern system," said Jena.