Cracking down on traffic violations: Ahmedabad adopts AI for enhanced surveillance

Ahmedabad has taken significant steps to enhance traffic security and ensure the safety of its citizens. A comprehensive upgrade of approximately 1,600 odd CCTV cameras at 130 junctions is underway, integrating advanced AI programs capable of detecting 32 different traffic offenses, including speed limit violations.

Drivers in Ahmedabad will now need to exercise extra caution as the city's surveillance cameras are being equipped with state-of-the-art AI technology to identify traffic violations accurately. The Ahmedabad Smart City Company recently invited proposals from agencies to further expand the capabilities of these upgraded cameras.

With the support of a specialized agency, the cameras have achieved an impressive 95% accuracy rate in recognizing various offenses, such as exceeding speed limits, unauthorized entry into the BRTS corridor, using mobile phones while driving, and neglecting seatbelt usage, among others.

Moreover, the latest software implementation aims to improve the efficiency of issuing electronic memos to take swift actions against offenders. Under the Safe and Secure Ahmedabad (SASA) initiative, the Ahmedabad Smart City Company has successfully installed 5,629 CCTV cameras, with 1,695 strategically placed at 130 traffic junctions for comprehensive surveillance. Last year's trial run demonstrated a 95% accuracy rate in detecting speed limit violations using the AI program.

Mihir Patel, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the Smart City project, explained, "We have invited proposals from agencies to upgrade our AI software, enabling the smart cameras to issue e-memos for 32 different types of traffic violations."

The SASA project, jointly initiated by the AMC and city police seven years ago, has been instrumental in installing approximately 6,500 surveillance cameras at a cost of Rs 314 crores, significantly improving the city's overall safety measures.