In a major step towards enhancing road safety, the Pune-Mumbai Expressway has deployed artificial intelligence (AI)-based cameras at 52 strategic locations, forming part of an advanced Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS). These high-tech cameras are designed to monitor vehicle speed using radar technology and issue electronic challans to offenders. However, their function goes beyond just speed monitoring, as they also track other critical traffic violations, such as the failure to wear seat belts, using mobile phones while driving, and improper lane discipline.
The move comes as part of a broader effort by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Regional Transport Office to improve traffic management and ensure better safety on one of the most heavily trafficked routes in the country. Rahul Jadhav, the Deputy Regional Transport Officer, underscored the importance of responsible driving, urging vehicle owners to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent accidents. “Maintaining road safety requires everyone to follow traffic rules and the prescribed speed limits,” Jadhav said.
The speed limits are clearly defined, especially in the ghats (mountain areas) of the expressway, where light motor vehicles must maintain a speed of 60 km/h, and all other vehicles must be restricted to 40 km/h. Outside the ghats, the permissible speed for light motor vehicles rises to 100 km/h, while all other vehicles are limited to 80 km/h. The implementation of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology across all toll booths and cameras will enable the police to issue e-challans more efficiently, further streamlining the enforcement of road safety measures.
The Pune-Mumbai Expressway sees an average of 40,000 vehicles on weekdays and 60,000 on weekends, making traffic management a critical concern. With the integration of AI and ANPR technology, the ITMS is expected to modernise traffic management, reduce violations, and enhance road safety for both commuters and authorities.
