Palghar: Breaking traffic rules in Vasai-Virar will no longer go unnoticed, not just by human eyes, but also by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate has launched an AI-powered system designed to detect traffic violators and automatically issue e-challans to offenders, eliminating the need for manual intervention by traffic police in many cases.
About The AI-Powered System
The Commissionerate officially launched this advanced AI technology on Friday, marking a significant step towards smarter traffic management in the region.
Equipped with strategically placed cameras across the cities, the AI system can identify instances of traffic rule violations. Upon detection, the system swiftly records the offense, identifies the vehicle registration number, and automatically generates a fine challan. This challan, along with photographic evidence captured by the cameras, will be directly sent to the vehicle owner's mobile phone. Authorities emphasize that this system is fully automated, accurate, and operates at high speed.
The implementation of this AI-driven system comes as a response to the increasing number of accidents and traffic congestion caused by frequent violations. While cameras were previously installed in the city, monitoring them, identifying vehicle numbers, and issuing fines manually consumed significant police resources and time. The new AI system aims to overcome these limitations and free up manpower for other critical policing duties.
Police Commissioner Madhukar Pandey stated that the primary goal of utilizing AI technology is to streamline traffic management and reduce accidents. He claimed that this initiative makes the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar Commissionerate a pioneer in the state for employing AI in this manner.
In the initial phase, the AI system will focus on penalizing riders without helmets and instances of triple riding on two-wheelers. Subsequent phases will expand to include violations such as driving against the designated one-way traffic, driving in the wrong lane, and speeding.
Currently, 200 cameras are operational across the cities. Prakash Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 1, informed that a proposal has been submitted to the government seeking funds for the installation of an additional 3,000 cameras to further enhance the network's reach and effectiveness. The project was piloted successfully in March before its official implementation on Friday.
As part of this initiative, the police have also installed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras are capable of capturing the registration numbers of vehicles even at high speeds. This technology is expected to significantly aid in identifying vehicles involved in hit-and-run accidents. Furthermore, the integration of these ANPR cameras with the AI system will enable the police to quickly track down vehicles used by criminals in the commission of offenses. The real-time data provided by these AI-linked cameras will prove invaluable in crime investigation.
