Delhi police are likely to rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to manage city’s traffic. One-third of Delhi’s traffic will be managed by fewer policemen and depth sensors.
As futuristic as it may sound, Delhi Police is set to deploy AI-powered technology that will manage the city traffic. Fewer traffic policemen and depth sensors will regulate traffic signals. Delhi Police is set to roll out the new technology-driven traffic signals system by 2019. The project will cost a budget of Rs 1,000 crore.
The police department has hired a technical consultant to implement the project. The project proposal was presented to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and other senior officers. The system will require the deployment of new-age sensor-based cameras that will feed data into the AI software. The department will publish the tender in the next month.
In the first implementation roll-out, 7,000 cameras will be installed to collect data. Artificial intelligence will create two possibilities - Big Data, which can mine the data to train software. The software will be a deep learning algorithm that can set the process to automatically learn the pattern.
Depender Pathak, special commissioner of police (traffic) has confirmed the development of the project. He said, “High resolution cameras with sensor based real time traffic volume count technology will first be placed onarterial roads. Around 7,000-8,000 cameras with multidirectional infrared and colourless 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. Traffic in Delhi has a pattern. There are some areastraffic is very heavy on certain days while other roads remain underutilised. Currently, our traffic inspectors use their experience to stop or divert traffic during peak hours but with the data in place cameras live feeds, sensors, even Google maps, the AI will make a predictive algorithm. The AI will also be updating its system continuously.”
The Police Department will also place an order of LED boards. These boards will be synced with the same AI software and cameras. LED boards will display the real-time information about traffic to let the drivers know about which road to avoid. The advanced traffic management systemsthis are already being used in other countries.
Maxwell Pereira, former joint commissioner of Delhi Police said, “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.”