Hyderabad is set to intensify digital traffic enforcement with the rollout of Hyderabad ANPR cameras across key high-speed corridors, including the Outer Ring Road and major expressways. The move comes amid mounting concern over accident fatalities linked to overspeeding, signalling a shift towards technology-driven road safety management in one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.
Transport and police authorities are preparing to install around 30 Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems in the initial phase. These high-resolution cameras will monitor select stretches of the 158-kilometre Outer Ring Road (ORR), particularly a 90-kilometre section covering the Gachibowli–Shamshabad corridor and adjoining routes. The PV Narasimha Rao Expressway, a critical airport access road, has also been identified for coverage.Officials indicate that overspeeding accounts for nearly 84 per cent of road crashes in the State. Since its formation, Telangana has recorded over 2.5 lakh accidents, resulting in approximately 83,000 fatalities. A recent review by a Supreme Court-appointed road safety panel highlighted the urgent need for stronger enforcement on high-speed corridors, prompting inter-departmental coordination between the Transport department, police and urban development agencies.
The Hyderabad ANPR cameras will automatically capture vehicle registration details and detect violations such as excessive speed, signal breaches, unsafe lane changes and non-compliance with seat belt rules. The system is designed to function in low visibility conditions, including rain and fog. Authorities are also examining time-distance tracking, where average speed is calculated between two points to identify violators — a method already in use in parts of southern India.Urban planners say such digital systems are critical for cities experiencing rapid peri-urban expansion. The ORR has catalysed large-scale real estate and logistics development, connecting IT clusters, residential townships and industrial hubs. However, high design speeds combined with limited on-ground enforcement have contributed to risky driving behaviour.
Road safety specialists argue that consistent, automated monitoring can improve compliance while reducing the need for physical checkpoints, many of which were recently phased out. Cameras are expected to be installed at 14 former checkpost locations to ensure uninterrupted surveillance without slowing traffic flow.Beyond enforcement, experts emphasise that technology must be complemented by better road design, clearer signage and safer pedestrian infrastructure. Hyderabad’s growth corridors increasingly attract mixed traffic, including two-wheelers and goods vehicles, raising the stakes for inclusive safety planning.
The National Highways Authority is also evaluating similar systems for national highway stretches passing through the State, signalling a broader push towards data-led mobility governance.As Hyderabad continues to expand outward, balancing high-speed connectivity with public safety will remain a central urban challenge. The effectiveness of the ANPR rollout will ultimately depend on transparent penalty systems, public awareness and integration with wider traffic management reforms.
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