The state directorate of transport has experienced a significant reduction in traffic violations following the installation of AI-operated cameras in June. Rajan Satardekar, Director of Transport, attributes this decline to the innovative Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), which serves as an ever-watchful, invisible eye on the city’s roads. The latest data reveals a striking decrease in speeding and signal jumping offenses, with only 3,036 traffic violation notices issued in the first three weeks of September, compared to a high 9,003 in the entire inaugural month.
Satardekar noted that vehicle owners tend to become more cautious upon receiving a traffic violation notice, as they fear the suspension or even cancellation of their driving licenses for repeated offenses. He emphasized the system’s evidence-based approach and transparency, highlighting that it has reduced the need for extensive human involvement in the process.
The AI-operated cameras have successfully detected various offenders, from owners of high-end vehicles to commercial and private vehicle operators, and even individuals from other states. This comprehensive enforcement became possible after the department migrated to the national-level Parivahan database hosted on cloud servers. However, the department faces some challenges.
Satardekar admitted that issues arise when vehicle registration databases lack accurate mobile phone numbers or contain blank entries. To address this, letters notifying offenders of violations are sent via speed post. However, due to the volume of letters, this procedure can be cumbersome. In response, individuals have started visiting regional transport offices (RTOs) to update their correct mobile numbers, ensuring they receive timely notifications of violations. Satardekar explained, “Unpaid challans remain linked to vehicle registration certificates (RC), then fines get accumulated.” The transformation brought about by AI-operated cameras has not only made Panaji’s motorists more vigilant but has also introduced a digital era of traffic enforcement with a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability. As the system continues to evolve, it is expected to further enhance road safety and promote responsible driving among residents and visitors alike.
