Technology & AI

Using AI, Google aims to reduce pollution in three Indian cities – Discover how

Google is working on a project called ‘Green Light’ that uses artificial intelligence and Google Maps data to reduce pollution emissions from vehicles. This project aims to optimize the placement of traffic signals in cities. It…

Using AI, Google aims to reduce pollution in three Indian cities – Discover how
Ananya Krishnan

By Ananya Krishnan

Correspondent, Technology & AI

Technology & AI correspondent focused on adoption, measurable outcomes and risk.

Editorial DeskTechnology & AI

PublishedOctober 13, 2023 · 2:03 am

UpdatedJune 15, 2026 · 7:36 pm

Reading Time2 min read

Google is working on a project called ‘Green Light’ that uses artificial intelligence and Google Maps data to reduce pollution emissions from vehicles. This project aims to optimize the placement of traffic signals in cities. It can make recommendations to improve traffic light plans, and city engineers can implement these changes in as little as five minutes. The goal is to reduce stop-and-go traffic and lower emissions from vehicles.

Cities in India like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata have already started using Google’s Green Light project. According to Google, early results from these cities show a 30% reduction in stops and up to a 10% reduction in emissions at intersections. Furthermore, Google claims that across the 12 cities worldwide where this project is implemented, it can save fuel and reduce emissions for up to 30 million car rides every month.

Google’s Green Light project works by creating an AI-based model for each intersection it focuses on. This model considers the intersection’s structure, traffic patterns, light scheduling, and how traffic interacts with the light schedules. Additionally, Google builds a model that takes into account the interaction between traffic lights. Based on these models, Google sends recommendations and optimizations to city engineers to implement changes at intersections, reducing emissions.

Green Light can analyze thousands of intersections at the same time, improving the flow of traffic through multiple intersections in a city. These AI-based recommendations can work with existing infrastructure and traffic systems, and city engineers can see the results within weeks. It’s important to note that not all cities have implemented this project yet, as it involves signing up for a waitlist.

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Ananya Krishnan

About the author

Ananya Krishnan

Correspondent, Technology & AI

Ananya Krishnan reports on AI, deep technology, cybersecurity and digital systems, with a focus on real adoption, measurable outcomes and risk.

Disclosure: This is an editorial pen name used by Metropolitan India. Stories published under this identity are commissioned, sourced, fact-checked and edited under the publication’s editorial standards.