FPJ Exclusive Video: Pune’s Traffic Woes Easing But Far From Over, Says Addl CP Manoj Patil

In an interview with The Free Press Journal (FPJ), Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil discusses the traffic situation in Pune, recent initiatives following the TomTom report, the future of traffic enforcement with AI cameras, e-challan recovery through courts, and action against vehicles bearing VIP stickers.

Watch Video:

FPJ: What steps have been taken to reduce road congestion after the TomTom report?

Patil: Traffic issues have improved, but not 100%. The primary reason is that Pune has only 6% of its area under roads, and the capacity of these roads has been exceeded. The city has more than 73 lakh vehicles. To put it into perspective, Pune is just about 200 sq km smaller than Singapore, but while Singapore has around four lakh vehicles, Pune has over 73 lakh.

We can decrease the intensity of the traffic, but it is not possible, as of now, to make it 100% free. In terms of traffic congestion, Pune ranks 128th in the world. However, congestion levels are still very high.

For the first time in India, we are monitoring 18 major arterial roads in Pune. We track the speed and the number of vehicles daily. Based on this, we analyse the bottlenecks and take action. As a result, we have succeeded in easing traffic on these roads.

FPJ: How is the analysis of these arterial roads proving beneficial?

Patil: We analyse the speed flow on these roads daily and weekly. Based on the data, we take appropriate action to improve movement. This targeted approach is helping us make informed decisions and address specific problem areas.

FPJ: What role do AI cameras play, and how are they different from regular traffic cameras?

Patil: Earlier, we had red-light violation cameras and speed-detection cameras. But these new AI cameras perform multiple functions simultaneously. They reduce the reliance on manual policing.

In Middle Eastern countries and other regions like the U.S. and Europe, traffic control is largely automated, with little or no police presence on the roads. These AI cameras collect comprehensive details of every vehicle, eliminating the possibility of arguments or disputes with traffic personnel.

The AI cameras are installed on Fergusson College Road on a trial basis. Based on the trial’s outcome, a proposal will be sent to the government. The Commissioner of Police will decide accordingly. But artificial intelligence is the future.

So far, over 500 challans have been issued through AI surveillance, covering violations such as no parking, triple-seat riding, driving on the wrong side, and double parking. Double parking is a major issue—drivers often leave the spot when they see a police officer and return once they’re gone. But AI doesn’t give second chances. This is a significant and impactful development. Nobody can cheat or bypass the system.

FPJ: If offenders are not paying challans, how is the system effective?

Patil: That’s a misconception. We are taking action. No one can avoid penalties by delaying payment. Pune city is the first in India to implement e-courts. Earlier, violators had to be physically present in court to pay challans and receive receipts. Now, everything is done online.

In many cases, offenders have even been jailed. We are sending summons to defaulters through the courts. No one can escape the penalty. It is mandatory and will be recovered.

FPJ: What about vehicles displaying stickers of MLAs, police, army, or press—are they exempt from action?

Patil: Rules are the same for everyone, regardless of which sticker is pasted on a vehicle. However, there are currently no specific provisions to penalise individuals simply for displaying such stickers.