In a major step towards strengthening road safety and enforcing traffic regulations, AI-enabled surveillance cameras have been activated across four major national highway stretches in Odisha. The advanced traffic monitoring system, which became operational on August 1, will automatically detect violations such as riding without a helmet, driving without a seat belt and overspeeding, leading to the generation of e-challans for offenders.
Transport authorities said the initiative is aimed at reducing road accidents through continuous, technology-driven monitoring while encouraging motorists to strictly adhere to traffic rules.
AI Surveillance Active on Four National Highways
According to officials, the AI-powered cameras have been installed along the following national highway corridors:
- Manguli to Sambalpur
- Sambalpur to Raipur
- Berhampur to Bhanjanagar
- Bhanjanagar to Taptapani
The intelligent surveillance system uses artificial intelligence to monitor traffic round the clock and automatically identify common traffic violations.
Motorists travelling on these routes have been advised to exercise caution and comply with all traffic regulations, as offences recorded by the cameras may result in penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Automatic Detection of Traffic Violations
The AI-enabled cameras are capable of identifying multiple traffic offences without manual intervention. Among the violations that will be detected are:
- Riding a two-wheeler without wearing a helmet.
- Driving a four-wheeler without fastening a seat belt.
- Overspeeding beyond the prescribed speed limit.
Once a violation is detected and verified, the system will automatically generate an e-challan, which will be issued to the registered vehicle owner in accordance with applicable traffic laws.
Officials believe the automated enforcement mechanism will improve compliance and reduce dangerous driving behaviour on busy highways.
Mixed Reactions from Commuters
While the initiative has been welcomed as a significant move to improve road safety, some commuters expressed concerns over the condition of highways.
A local resident travelling on National Highway-55 in Dhenkanal said he was unaware that AI cameras had become operational. He also questioned the authorities, stating that repairing damaged roads should receive equal priority alongside the introduction of advanced surveillance technology.
RTO to Monitor AI System Round the Clock
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) will continuously monitor the AI-based surveillance system to ensure its effective functioning and accurate enforcement of traffic regulations.
In addition to monitoring violations, the Transport Department has launched awareness campaigns to educate road users about the importance of following traffic rules and the functioning of the AI-enabled enforcement system.
The department aims to encourage voluntary compliance rather than relying solely on penalties.
Authorities Urge Public to Follow Traffic Rules
The Additional Regional Transport Officer (RTO) appealed to motorists to strictly follow traffic regulations and prioritise road safety.
The official stated that the AI cameras are now fully operational and that e-challans will be generated automatically whenever traffic violations are detected.
Authorities urged commuters to always wear helmets while riding two-wheelers, fasten seat belts while driving or travelling in cars, maintain prescribed speed limits and follow all road safety norms to avoid penalties and ensure safe journeys.
Officials said the introduction of AI-based traffic enforcement is expected to improve discipline on highways, reduce accident rates and promote safer travel across Odisha.
