AI to assist Delhi traffic police with smart signals, auto challans under new plan

NEW DELHI: Delhi's action plan to tackle air pollution by reducing traffic congestion proposes the implementation of an integrated traffic management system, including automatic number plate recognition cameras and automated challans of vehicles, in three phases over a period of two years.

The project is currently at a proposal stage, and a detailed project report has been submitted to Union home ministry.

In the first phase set to be completed within a year, five corridors with 250 adaptive traffic signal junctions and 271 enforcement points will be commissioned. Phase two, which will be completed in 18 months, involves commissioning of seven additional corridors, 222 signal junctions and 236 enforcement points. In phase three, 30 additional corridors will be commissioned with 620 signal junctions and 522 enforcement locations.

"To address traffic congestion, longer travel times and environmental challenges, Delhi Police has proposed an AI-enabled intelligent traffic management system based on advanced analytics, automated enforcement and real-time traffic regulation. The system will utilise smart signals, integrated communications and AI-based decision support to enhance efficiency, improve commuter experience and create a scalable and future-ready traffic management ecosystem," according to the action plan.

Once the integrated traffic management system is implemented, it is expected to significantly transform the city's traffic scenario. Commuters will receive real-time traffic updates, resulting in the reduction of the need for human intervention in road management. Traffic signals will operate automatically during the day based on traffic volume and average vehicle speed.

Meanwhile, the traffic police, which had identified 62 congestion hotspots and outlined 215 specific tasks, said 83 of the tasks were completed by Dec 31, 2025. However, 46 tasks were found unfeasible or dropped due to ongoing infrastructure projects and redevelopment work.