CM Warns Reckless Drivers: Your Challan Will Reach Home Before You Do
In the future, almost every major city in India will use AI-based cameras to maintain traffic obedience. Presently, a few Indian cities have already started implementing this system, and the city of Mohali, Punjab, is the latest one. Recently, in order to better enforce traffic discipline, Punjab’s first AI-based traffic service system has been installed in this city. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the project and then stated that no amount of influence or personal connections would help offenders escape traffic fines.
Mohali’s AI-Based Traffic Enforcement System Launched
According to the government of Punjab, the new AI-powered City Surveillance and Traffic Management System has been installed at a cost of Rs 77 crore. It has been launched at the Sohana police station, Sector 79, SAS Nagar, Mohali. With this new system, the authorities aim to improve security, curb traffic violations, and streamline traffic management.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Mann humorously noted that many Punjabi drivers follow traffic rules in Chandigarh. However, they become reckless the moment they enter Mohali. While stressing the importance of road safety, he reminded motorists that “Breaking the rules will result in your challan reaching home before you do.”
CM Mann also issued a lighthearted but stern warning to reckless drivers. He highlighted that the new cameras would capture full front-seat images of vehicles. These images will be included in the challans sent directly to home addresses. He stated, “Make sure you don’t just get a challan but also avoid any unexpected trouble at home.”
Challans Will Be Automated
Following the inauguration, to prove the system’s efficiency, the first automated challan for jumping a red light was issued at 7:30 AM on the day of the launch. The AI-based system operates under the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), which ensures round-the-clock monitoring at key locations.
Mohali’s AI-driven system includes Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras can identify and track vehicles. It also features Facial Recognition Technology, which will help in monitoring criminal activity and identifying offenders. Additionally, Adaptive Traffic Control (ATC) & Vehicle-Actuated Control (VAC) traffic lights are included to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Currently, Mohali operates a Rs 21.60 crore surveillance network that includes 350 CCTV cameras at 17 key locations. It also has 70 radio frequency (RF)-based wireless CCTVs in Zirakpur and 35 cameras covering high-risk areas such as Phase 3B2 and Jubilee Walk. DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed that the new AI-powered system would soon be expanded as well.
He highlighted that 50 new cameras have been planned for Kharar. Also, more installations in Derabassi and Lalru under different funding schemes will be done in the coming period. The authorities have also highlighted that AI-based surveillance will be introduced in Patiala, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, and other cities as well.
Phase 1 of the AI-Based Traffic System includes components such as 175 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, 50 Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras, 92 bullet cameras for general surveillance, and 18 PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) cameras for better monitoring.
It also features a Speed Violation Detection System at two key locations with 16 cameras. MLA Kulwant Singh thanked CM Mann for launching the project in Mohali. He also announced an additional Rs 50 crore investment to extend AI surveillance across the district.