Hyderabad: Telangana decided to deploy AI traffic signalling technology to manage rising traffic and improve road safety. The system will cover Hyderabad, the Outer Ring Road and other areas across the state.
Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju reviewed traffic management and road safety with senior officials at the Secretariat on Thursday. During the meeting, officials discussed several measures to improve traffic control and prevent road accidents.
Jaju said traffic management and road safety required coordination between multiple departments. Police, transport, roads and buildings, municipal bodies and other agencies must work together, he said.
The government also proposed an independent system dedicated to traffic management. Officials proposed the name TG Timars for the new system.
Jaju directed officials to prepare a detailed project report and proposals at the earliest. The proposed system would follow the model of specialised agencies such as the Narcotics Bureau and TG Safe.
The government also decided to expand the use of artificial intelligence in traffic management. However, Jaju said officials should use AI beyond detecting violations and issuing challans.
The technology should help people travel more safely and quickly, according to the Chief Secretary. Officials will study available technologies before selecting suitable solutions for different locations.
The state plans to begin AI pilot projects in selected areas. Officials will later consider wider implementation based on the results.
AI traffic signalling to support integrated data
Officials also examined the possibility of an integrated traffic data platform. The platform would bring traffic data from different areas onto a single system for analysis.
Furthermore, Jaju directed officials to strengthen electronic enforcement in line with Supreme Court guidelines. He also ordered strict action against encroachments on footpaths in cities.
The government plans to install modern signalling systems in required locations by November and December. The plan covers major cities, district headquarters, urban areas and the Outer Ring Road.
Officials informed Jaju that the GHMC area currently has 429 traffic signalling systems. They also said the city already uses advanced signal control technology at these locations.
The proposed AI traffic signalling system will focus on improving traffic movement and road safety. Authorities will assess pilot results before expanding the technology across Telangana.
DGP CV Anand attended the review meeting along with senior officials from several departments. Transport and Roads and Buildings Special Chief Secretary Vikas Raj also participated.
Transport Commissioner Ilambarthi and Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar attended the meeting. Malkajgiri Municipal Commissioner Vinay Krishna Reddy and other senior officials were also present.