Drone surveillance to tackle Dhaka's traffic congestion

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is set to introduce drone surveillance to control traffic congestion and restore discipline on the capital's roads, following the introduction of AI cameras.

In the initial phase, a drone will be used on a trial basis to collect real-time information on important roads and congestion-prone areas. Plans also include identifying vehicles violating traffic laws, issuing warnings, and later integrating Automated Number Plate Reader (ANPR) technology to file video cases.

Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anishur Rahman said drone surveillance exists in many countries, but it is a completely new concept for Bangladesh. Drones will provide real-time information on flyovers and expressways, helping to identify the causes of jams quickly and issue instructions.

He said buses not stopping at designated stops is the biggest problem in Dhaka. Buses are operated on a contract basis, leading to competition among drivers to pick up passengers, causing them to stop wherever they want and block roads.

The drones will have voice systems to issue warnings to lawbreakers. For example, if a vehicle causes a jam, the drone can say, "You are creating a traffic jam, move aside."

Cases can also be filed for traffic violations through drones, though footage will first be analysed manually to avoid errors. Training for drone operators has already begun, starting with the Tejgaon division.

Source: BSS