High population and traffic have long been problems in India, especially in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. However, with advancements in AI, India is utilising it to enhance its traffic management system by replacing conventional management systems with AI.
New AI-based projects like iRASTE and HTMS will help enhance road safety and enforce traffic laws throughout the country. Read more to know how India is adopting a smarter road monitoring and management system.
4 Types of AI-Based Traffic Monitoring Systems in India
The Government uses AI-based systems in various ways to enhance traffic management and enforce traffic laws. Let us know about them in detail.
1. AI-Based E-Challan System
This system utilises AI-powered CCTV cameras to detect traffic violations on the road. This system can extract the violator's phone number from the car’s registration number and automatically issue a challan. With this new system, it is almost impossible for people to get away with traffic violations.
People can check and pay their e-challans on their mobile phones instead of standing in queues with paper challans to pay their dues. States like Telangana and Delhi have already integrated e-challan. People can check and pay their e challan Delhi anytime now.
2. iRASTE Project
Indi is currently actively building a safer road network with the help of Intelligent Solutions for Road Safety through Technology and Engineering (iRASTE). The aim of iRASTE is to deploy tools such as AI, sensors, and detectors in public vehicles across the country. The use of these ADAS technologies will give 2 seconds warning before accidents, which can save up to 60% of fatal accidents.
Currently, the iRASTE Program, initiated in Nagpur and Telangana by the Central Road Research Institute, is being tested on 200 buses on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru and Vijayawada routes. The main aim of iRASTE is to reduce accidents by 50% by 2030.
3. Smart and Adaptive Traffic Signal System
India is currently replacing conventional fixed-timer traffic signals with smart traffic signals powered by AI. The new system will adapt in real time to traffic conditions, enhance traffic flow, and reduce congestion.
This is a great way to manage high-density traffic in city areas like Bangalore and Kolkata. The system is also optimised to prioritise emergency vehicles, such as police and ambulances, so they give way first. Cities like Chennai, Bhubaneshwar, and Pune are actively investing in adaptive signals to increase traffic efficiency.
4. AI-Based Highway Traffic Management System (HTMS)
It is hard for the government to enforce traffic laws on highways and expressways with the traditional manual challans. This often leads people to overspeed, increasing the risk and rate of accidents.
To avert this situation, KPMG implemented a Highway Traffic Management System (HTMS). The system uses 4D radars and AI-powered CCTV cameras to enforce traffic laws with optimised surveillance. It also detects accidents and uses its network to send emergency help.
What Changes is India Adopting For a Smarter Road Management?
1. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) launched the One Nation One Challan (ONOC). This is a nationwide initiative to digitise and streamline the use of e challan for traffic law enforcement.
2. Under the ONOC initiative, Gujarat emerged as a leading state to implement the e-challan system across 38 police districts.
3. Cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Delhi, and Pune have fully integrated e-challan issuance and online payment systems with VAHAN, SARATHI, and ITMS.
4. Many high-population cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, and more are working to implement smart traffic signals. Bangalore, being at the top of the list, already deployed smart signals at over 165 junctions.
5. Deploying AI-based adaptive traffic signals reportedly reduced wait times by 30% in Bangalore. It also helps to reduce jams and prevent traffic violations.
6. Many highways and expressways in cities like Hyderabad and Delhi are integrated with HTMS. Some of them include the Dwarka Expressway, National Highway 48, Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and other national highways.
What Effect Do These Smart Road Monitoring Systems have on the People of India?
1. Compliance with Traffic Rules
The e-challan system strongly enforces traffic laws, reducing violations and maintaining safety.
2. Wider Coverage and 24/7 Surveillance
Using fixed CCTV cameras can help a state cover larger areas simultaneously while maintaining 24/7 surveillance. This helps to enforce traffic laws all the time.
3. Hassle-Free Checking and Payments
People can now check their e-challans and pay their pending challans anytime on their phone. This convenience helps people to stay compliant with the law.
4. Lesser Wait Time in Traffic
AI-based Adaptive traffic signals help enhance traffic flow by adapting to real-time traffic conditions. This helps to reduce wait time and congestion.
5. Accessibility To Emergency Services
The CCTV systems are connected to a network of nearby hospitals. In the event of an accident, the system can call an emergency ambulance using AI.
Overall, India’s shift toward AI-driven traffic systems marks a significant leap toward safer, smarter, and more efficient roads. From e-challan Delhi to adaptive traffic signals, these innovations are reducing congestion, improving compliance, and paving the way for a more disciplined driving culture nationwide.
