AI to predict traffic snarls, guide police deployment

As Pune gears up for the Ganeshotsav festival, the city's traffic police have announced their adoption of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool, Trafficure, to tackle potential traffic snarls. The AI-based platform will identify congestion-prone areas and guide police deployment throughout the festival period.

Traffic Control Branch head Manoj Patil revealed that the platform will deliver daily analyses of traffic patterns and congestion, providing officers with vital insights to redeploy personnel as needed. These reports will be made accessible to citizens via the traffic police's communication channels and a dedicated phone application.

The AI-generated data will enable the police department to abandon a fixed deployment model for personnel, instead focusing on areas with actual congestion from the previous day. Locally available manpower from police stations will also be utilized during the festival, with AI data ensuring optimal use of available resources.

To enhance citizen communication, traffic restrictions and diversions will be conveyed through simplified methods such as videos and digital platforms. This approach proved effective during the recent Ashashi Wari festival, resulting in a significant increase in website traffic. For Ganeshotsav, the department aims to replicate this success by providing sector-wise information on traffic regulations and diversions.

Moreover, the AI platform will yield valuable data for future traffic planning, as officials compare predicted congestion with actual road conditions to gauge the system's accuracy. The experiment will be closely monitored throughout the festival, especially during immersion processions and related restrictions, when traffic arrangements may fluctuate for several days.

Ultimately, the goal is not to replace on-road personnel but to optimize their deployment by directing them to locations where their presence is most required.