Bengaluru is stepping into the future of traffic management by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle traffic violations and improve road safety. The city’s traffic police are expanding their AI-driven system to monitor and catch violators more efficiently, eliminating the need for a constant physical police presence on the streets.

This shift is expected to revolutionize how rules are enforced in one of India’s busiest cities. Currently, AI technology is being used to detect seven types of traffic violations in the city. According to MN Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police for Bengaluru City Traffic, this system will get even more powerful.

The number of monitored violations will rise to 13, covering offenses like wrong-side driving, illegal number plates, overloaded goods vehicles, faulty mirrors, and illegal parking. These additions will make the city’s enforcement system more comprehensive, and help clamp down on previously unchecked violations.

AI on the streets of Bengaluru

At present, Bengaluru has 330 AI-powered cameras positioned at 50 critical junctions across the city, and this number is set to grow as the AI system expands.

The system works through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, which can process video feeds from multiple sources, including surveillance, body-worn, and social media. The ANPR technology uses advanced algorithms to read and interpret number plates, and then cross-references this information with a database of registered vehicles to identify violations. The idea is to use existing infrastructure, avoiding installing additional cameras.

Instead of simply focusing on issuing fines, Bengaluru’s AI system will enhance overall traffic management. It will do so by providing real-time insights into traffic conditions, enabling authorities to take proactive measures to prevent accidents and reduce congestion. This proactive approach is a key benefit of AI in traffic management.

For example, the technology will automatically detect waterlogged areas, stray animals, potholes, and unattended road objects, helping improve road users’ safety. Additionally, AI will optimize traffic signal timings based on real-time data, reducing congestion at busy junctions.

Impressive results so far

The results of Bengaluru’s AI-powered enforcement system have already been impressive. In 2023 alone, the city’s traffic police booked nearly 9 million cases, collecting a record Rs. 185.1 crore in fines, most of which were issued through contactless enforcement.

With the system expanding, those figures are expected to rise even higher as AI takes over more aspects of traffic management and violation detection.

Beyond just catching offenders, Bengaluru’s AI system will also use Automatic Traffic Counting and Classification (ATCC) to monitor the types of vehicles at various junctions. This data will provide valuable insights to help authorities manage traffic flow more effectively, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring smoother rides for motorists. The system does not discriminate based on vehicle type, but rather uses this data to understand the traffic mix and adjust signal timings accordingly.

By integrating AI into its traffic management efforts, Bengaluru aims to improve road safety and create a more efficient, future-ready system.

As this technology continues to evolve, the city could soon serve as a model for other urban areas looking to modernize their approach to traffic management.