In a significant move to enhance road safety, Ranchi's traffic police have proposed a major upgrade to the city's surveillance system by identifying around 40 strategic locations for the potential installation of high-speed cameras.
Proposal Aims for Tech-Driven Traffic Control
Senior officials revealed that the plan, which is currently in its preliminary stages, is estimated to cost over Rs 5 crore. The final number of cameras to be deployed is yet to be finalized. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ranchi traffic police, with Traffic Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar stating that the primary goal is to leverage technology for stricter enforcement and safer roads through automated monitoring and challan generation.
Focus on Accident-Prone Zones and Flyovers
The identified spots are not random but are based on detailed analysis of violation records and traffic movement patterns. The list includes:
- Major flyovers across the city.
- Key stretches on the Ring Road.
- Other busy corridors where overspeeding is a recurrent and major violation.
Officials noted that overspeeding on flyovers and wide roads like the Ring Road has been a persistent problem and a key contributor to accidents. The proposed high-speed camera system is designed for real-time violation detection, which would reduce reliance on manual checks and ensure more consistent enforcement.
Current Infrastructure and Public Response
Presently, Ranchi's traffic surveillance is limited to about 10 locations with nearly 30 cameras, mostly positioned at busy intersections. Some cameras are also active on parts of the Ring Road and near the Birsa Agricultural University area, zones known for frequent speeding complaints.
The proposal has been welcomed by motorists. Saurabh Mishra, a commuter at the Ratu Road flyover, commented that the mere identification of these spots for cameras could act as a strong deterrent, as drivers often speed on flyovers knowing manual checking is less likely there.
Once the necessary financial approvals are secured, the installation project will be undertaken by Ranchi Smart City authorities. This tech-based intervention marks a crucial step towards modernizing traffic management and curbing reckless driving in the state capital.
