A 3rd of the Delhi, the national capital’s, traffic managed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), fewer traffic cop, and depth sensors which will be regulate traffic signals — this isn’t a futuristic version of a first-world city, but the short-term plan for the city, in, believe it or not, 2019.
Last month, on the May, Delhi’s top police officers shared the concept note for the Rs 1,000 crore projects with Anil Baijal and senior government officers, the Lieutenant Governor.
They received an approval in order to use AI to manage traffic and have hired a technical consultant to put into practice the project.
In July, a cop became familiar with the matter said the cop can place a tender for the sensor-based cameras that will feed data into the AI software anyway.
Depender Pathak, the Special commissioner of police (Traffic) who is also the city traffic police chief, confirmed that his department has started work for this futuristic venture. “High-resolution cameras with sensor-based real-time traffic volume count technology will first be placed on all arterial roads. Around 7,000-8,000 cameras with multidirectional infrared and colorless laser sensors will count the volume based on image pattern analysis. At every signal, we will also have IP based public address system. Through the cameras, we will see the traffic and also communicate with the drivers while on move or at signals using the PA system.”
the 7,000 cameras will collect data, For the first few months, (the use of AI has become possible because of two developments, so-called Big Data, which can be used by software to learn, a process made possible through what is called deep learning).
“Traffic in Delhi has a pattern. There are some areas where traffic is very heavy on certain days while other roads remain underutilized. Currently, our traffic inspectors use their experience to stop or divert traffic during peak hours but with the data in place from cameras live feeds, sensors, even Google maps, the AI will make a predictive algorithm. The AI will also be updating its system continuously,” added Pathak.
Alongside the cameras, the police department also plans to order LED boards. As per the project report, the 1000 LED boards will be synced with the AI software and the cameras, and display real-time information about traffic so that drivers know which road to use or avoid.”
With most traffic officers off the roads — only a few will be around for emergencies — there will be smart traffic control rooms where traffic personnel are all set to monitor the cameras.
If venture, goes as planned, the cop may not even have to be on the roads to issue tickets. Top police officers; stated about, Delhi police are in touch with different ministries in order to bring about policy changes in traffic and transport.
A senior officer said that the police can write to the government to make it compulsory for all Delhi registered vehicles which can have a device (or chip) onboard which can be recognized by the system.
Tickets can then directly be sent to the owner with all details from the database of central government’s e-vahaan and e sarthi portals.
Experts said such advanced traffic management systems are already using, other nation’s things. “What is being planned for Delhi is going to be an advanced version of what already exists in patches across the city. AI based ITMS is expensive but it is the need of the hour. However, it cannot be a success without people learning and following rules,” said by Maxwell Pereira, the former Delhi Police joint commissioner.
