Delhi traffic

“Traffic in Delhi has a pattern. There are some areas where traffic is very heavy on certain days while other roads remain underutilised. Currently, our traffic inspectors use their experience to stop or divert traffic during peak hours but with the data in place from cameras live feeds, sensors, even Google maps, the AI will make a predictive algorithm. The AI will also be updating its system continuously,” added Pathak.

Apart from the cameras, the police department also plans to order LED boards. According to the project report, the 1000 LED boards will be synced with the AI software and the cameras, and display real time information about traffic so that drivers know which road to use or avoid.”

With most traffic officers off the roads -- only a few will be around for emergencies -- there will be smart traffic control rooms where traffic personnel will monitor the cameras. If the project goes as planned, the police may not even have to be on the roads to issue tickets. Top police officers said the Delhi police is in touch with different ministries to bring about policy changes in traffic and transport. A senior officer said that the police would write to the government to make it mandatory for all Delhi registered vehicles to have a device (or chip) on-board which can be recognized by the system. Tickets can then directly be sent to the owner with details from the data base of central government’s e-vahaan and e sarthi portals.

Experts said such advanced traffic management systems are already being used in other countries. “What is being planned for Delhi is going to be an advanced version of what already exists in patches across the city. AI based ITMS is expensive but it is the need of the hour. However, it cannot be a success without people