Pune to install AI traffic cameras at 500 locations to detect violations

Pune will soon strengthen traffic enforcement with the rollout of AI-based cameras under the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), which will soon be installed at nearly 500 locations. The AI-enabled cameras will detect violations in real time using automatic number plate recognition. Offences such as signal jumping, speeding, wrong-side driving will be captured. E-challans with photo or video proof will be sent directly to vehicle owners through SMS or online platforms.

Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil said the system aims to ensure strict and consistent enforcement. He noted that when punishment is certain, people are more likely to follow traffic rules.

Patil said Pune’s traffic problems have worsened due to rapid, unplanned growth, outdated planning, and heavy reliance on private vehicles. He pointed out that earlier infrastructure projects were often based on limited data. In one example, a bridge designed for 19,000 vehicles is now handling around 90,000, leading to congestion instead of easing it.

To address this, authorities are now moving towards data-based planning. Real-time inputs from platforms like Google Maps and TomTom are being used to improve traffic management.

Pune currently has around 78 lakh vehicles, while only about 7% of the city’s land is used for roads. This has put heavy pressure on road infrastructure. According to officials, several steps are being taken, including improving 32 major roads, reducing signal delays, removing encroachments, and increasing average travel speed. Smaller works like pothole repairs, better road markings, and converting some roads to one-way are also in progress.