PANAJI
Launched with much fanfare, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras continue to function on a ‘pilot basis’ as the government has reportedly raised concerns about the revenue sharing ratio on the fines collected from violators.
After a month-long trial run at Merces junction, the government sealed an agreement with the Bengaluru-based company Beltech AI Pvt Ltd in March 2023. The company was tasked with installing its software pan-Goa within 12-18 months once operational, after selective junctions in the initial period.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the revenue collected from motor vehicle fines would be divided at 70:30 ratio with the company receiving the major share.
Interestingly, after a yes, the Home Department has now allegedly contested the mere 30 per cent share allocated to the government.
Reliable sources told The Goan that Home Department’s concern is related to the other processes involved, such as the Traffic Department issuing notices to violators, wherein each registered post will cost around Rs 25.
“The government will be at a loss because apart from installation and maintenance of the traffic signals and technology, the company will not bear any other cost. The government, on the other hand, will get only 30 percent of the total revenue and also spend on other logistical expenses. It is deemed unreasonable,” the official said.
As such, negotiations with the company have been reinitiated with the project continuing to run on a pilot basis. On average, the Traffic Cell’s monthly revenue collection through fines stands at Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Earlier after a delay, the authorities had claimed that the AIs will begin to detect traffic offenses from June 1 at 13 significant locations in Panaji, Merces junction, Porvorim and Dona Paula.
Meanwhile, the AI signal systems installed by the Trafitek Solutions Private Limited of M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd at 10 junctions have already begun operations, through which the Transport Department has earned Rs 92.47 lakh from June till July 13, 2023.
These AIs are installed at Custom House Junction, Panaji; Caculo Mall/ Fire Brigade Junction; Ferry Wharf Junction, Panaji/ Near Police Head Quarters, Kala Acadamy Junction, Panaji/ Prince Henry The Navigator Memorial Park, Divja Circle, Malim Junction, Hero Honda Junction, Near Teen Building, O'coqueiro Junction, Porvorim; And The Chimbel Junction/ Ribandar - Old Goa Road.
“There is no sharing of money with the company in this project,” the officer said.
