Here's Why Heart-Shaped Traffic Lights Were Installed In Bengaluru

A lot of commuters in Bengaluru were taken by surprise when some of the traffic lights on the city's roads turned into the shape of a heart. Images of heart-shaped traffic lights have amazed the Internet with many sharing a glimpse of the new signals on social media, while others wondering why the red signals changed shape.

According to reports, these heart-shaped red lights have been installed by Manipal Hospitals in coordination with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Traffic Police. As many as 15 signals in the city have been reworked as part of a campaign on World Heart Day.

Heart-shaped traffic lights in Bengaluru

To mark the movement, the official Twitter handle of the hospital chain read, “On the occasion of #WorldHeartDay, Manipal Hospitals installed innovations to encourage Bangalore to be a 'heart smart city'. These included the red signal being in the shape of a heart, audio messages spreading awareness of heart health, and QR codes to access emergency services easily instead of dialling a number to call for it. Here are some snaps of the same. (Sic)"

In addition to these recently installed lights, Manipal Hospitals management has also placed QR codes close to traffic lights. These codes, when scanned, will instantly connect a victim to an ambulance service and connect them to an emergency number. The concept is to offer assistance at the touch of a button in times of need when it is impossible to call and look for medical assistance elsewhere.

A senior official from the Cubbon Park Traffic Police said, “The heart-shaped traffic signal is put up to signify that every life is important. One should not ride or drive fast and jump signals. People should be cautious and follow traffic rules. This apart, it also indicates that their loved ones are waiting back home and one should follow all the safety measures. “

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