The Automatic Number Plate Reader (ANPR) system, originally deployed in Hyderabad as a camera-based tool for detecting traffic violations and tracking suspect vehicles, is undergoing a significant technological evolution during the Medaram Jatara. Unlike its previous implementation in Hyderabad, where ANPR cameras primarily captured images for later verification by traffic personnel, the Medaram deployment integrates advanced server-based AI analytics and comprehensive drone surveillance.
Advanced Integration for Enhanced Security
Officials have revealed that this upgraded system is being utilized to analyse vehicle parking patterns, identify stolen or suspicious vehicles in real time, and regulate parking by meticulously monitoring the inflow and outflow of vehicles. According to Telangana police, the core component of this sophisticated vehicle-tracking system involves the strategic installation of cameras at entry and exit points along five key routes leading to Medaram. These routes include one from Parsa, one from Tadwai, and three other smaller pathways.
Real-Time Vehicle Scanning and AI Analytics
Every vehicle that enters or exits these routes is thoroughly scanned, with its registration number captured and instantly uploaded to a central server. AI-based analytics are then employed to identify the vehicle owner and the specific vehicle type. This advanced capability proves invaluable in tracking stolen vehicles and detecting discrepancies. For instance, if a car number is found registered to a two-wheeler, or a bike number is registered to a car, the system immediately flags it as suspicious, enabling swift intervention.
Intelligent Traffic Flow Management
The system also excels in tracking vehicle flow by counting vehicles entering and exiting each route. This data-driven approach allows authorities to identify which routes are experiencing heavier traffic and, accordingly, divert vehicles to suitable parking spaces. The identified parking areas, strategically planned, can accommodate up to three lakh vehicles, ensuring organized management during the large-scale event.
Drone Surveillance for Dynamic Monitoring
Drones play a crucial role by continuously monitoring these parking areas and relaying real-time information on available space directly to the control room. This critical information is promptly passed to on-the-ground traffic police, empowering them to direct vehicles to designated parking zones and prevent congestion caused by multiple vehicles rushing to a single location.
Patrolling and Congestion Alerts
In addition to parking surveillance, drones actively patrol along the routes from Parsa to Medaram, spanning 22 kilometers, and from Tadwai to Medaram, covering 23 kilometers. They monitor traffic congestion and, utilizing precise geolocation data, alert traffic police to clear jams quickly, ensuring smoother movement for devotees.
Crowd Management and Queue Regulation
Cameras have also been installed at the darshan queue entry and exit points within the Medaram premises. These allow authorities to track the number of people entering and exiting, helping them assess the pace of darshan accurately. Based on this real-time data, officials can effectively regulate queues, accelerate the flow, and estimate the inflow and outflow of devotees, enhancing overall safety and convenience.
Collaborative Development and Expertise
These innovative systems were collaboratively developed by TG Quest and the Special Intelligence Branch, under the leadership of IG B Sumati. This deployment marks a notable advancement from the traditional ANPR usage in Hyderabad, showcasing how technology can be leveraged for large-scale event management with precision and efficiency.
