Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Dec 3: The Udupi district police have initiated major upgrades to the city’s traffic management system, introducing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, new CCTV networks, speed radar guns, and newly installed traffic signals at key junctions.
Speaking to the media in Manipal, district superintendent of police Hariram Shankar said that the police department has drawn up a plan to modernise traffic management across Udupi city and the district. As part of this initiative, an AI-enabled traffic system will be implemented to automatically detect violations and issue fines.
Under the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), 14 CCTV cameras will be installed at seven junctions. In addition, with a city municipal council grant of Rs 50 lac, CCTV cameras will be installed at four more junctions within the municipality limits. Notices for violations detected through these cameras will be sent directly to the violators’ residences, reducing the need for traffic police to issue fines manually.
The SP added that the municipal council has released another Rs 50 lac specifically for AI-model CCTV installation at 3–4 junctions, which will help track traffic violations across city and district borders.
Speed radar guns on national highways
The government has approved the installation of speed radar guns at six locations along national highways in Udupi district. These units will help detect overspeeding vehicles and reduce accidents. Under the ‘Sena Drishti’ initiative, launched in collaboration with the Udupi Chamber of Commerce, a total of 200 CCTV cameras are planned across the district, with 25 locations already identified.
Traffic signals installed at Kalsanka and Syndicate Circle
In a parallel development, traffic signals have been installed at Kalsanka Junction in Udupi and Syndicate Circle in Manipal using a Rs 33 lac grant from the city municipal council. An additional Rs 12 lac has been sanctioned for the development of these junctions. SP Hariram Shankar inspected the newly installed system at Syndicate Circle and later addressed the media.
He said that heavy traffic congestion is common in Syndicate Circle during peak hours and weekends, often affecting ambulance movement to Manipal hospitals. Considering this, the signal system was urgently implemented.
Signal lights are generally set for 40–50 seconds, but during peak hours timings will be extended by 10 seconds depending on traffic flow. An advertisement hoarding obstructing the free-left lane at Syndicate Circle will be relocated.
The SP said that the new signal systems will help regulate traffic with fewer personnel and ensure smoother vehicle movement across the city. Markings for zebra crossings and stop lines will be laid shortly by the city municipal council.
He added that efforts will be made to provide free-left turns wherever feasible. Some free-left points remain underused due to motorists stopping unnecessarily in the traffic lane; awareness will be created first, followed by fines for repeat violations.
A study is also underway to understand the advantages and challenges of the new signal system at Syndicate Circle. The road may need widening to facilitate safe free-left turns for vehicles heading from Udupi towards the deputy commissioner’s office. Since the circle is located on an elevation, care will be taken to adjust signal timings for heavy vehicles approaching uphill to avoid rolling incidents.
Udupi city municipal commissioner Mahantesh Hangargi said that the signals have been installed as per the police department’s proposal. “People will need some time to get used to the new system. We will jointly conduct awareness programmes for riders and drivers,” he said.
Manipal police inspector Mahesh Prasad was also present during the inspection.