Udupi district is embarking on a significant technological leap in traffic regulation, moving towards automated, AI-powered enforcement to streamline vehicle movement and enhance road safety. The initiative, led by district police, aims to systematically reduce manual intervention and public-police friction.
Core Components of the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS)
Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar outlined the key projects under the modernization drive. The government has allocated funds for three specific initiatives to boost CCTV monitoring within Udupi city under the ITMS umbrella. A major part of this rollout involves the installation of 14 high-resolution cameras across seven crucial junctions.
In a complementary move, the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) has sanctioned an additional Rs 50 lakh. This funding will be utilized to set up surveillance cameras at four more strategic points across the city.
Targeting Speed and Accident Hotspots
To specifically address the menace of overspeeding, especially on high-speed corridors, the police will deploy speed radar guns at six locations along the national highway passing through the district. This measure is directly aimed at curbing reckless driving and reducing accidents.
Simultaneously, infrastructure upgrades are underway. New traffic signals have been activated at Kalsanka Junction in Udupi and Syndicate Circle in Manipal, utilizing Rs 33 lakh released by the CMC, to better manage flow at these busy intersections.
AI-Driven Enforcement and Public Collaboration
The heart of the ITMS is its shift from manual to automated detection. Cameras within city limits and district borders will operate on an AI model to identify traffic violations in real-time. "The main aim is to reduce manual enforcement by policemen," SP Shankar stated. "Challans will be sent directly to the violators' address, which will help reduce friction between the public and traffic police."
In a parallel, collaborative project, the police are working with the Udupi Chamber of Commerce on the 'Sena Drishti' initiative. This project plans to install CCTV cameras at 200 locations, with 25 spots already identified, further expanding the surveillance network for overall security and management.
While a study is ongoing to assess the new system's functioning, authorities are open to suggestions from citizens. This comprehensive tech push signifies Udupi's commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for smarter, more efficient urban governance and safer roads.
