Three years of AI cameras: Fines touch Rs 923 crore; project almost in limbo

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The AI-powered traffic enforcement cameras installed across Kerala to detect traffic rule violations have completed three years. During this period, authorities issued fines worth Rs 923 crore, but the government has collected only Rs 330 crore so far. An outstanding Rs 593 crore in unpaid fines is yet to be recovered. Despite the large amount pending, the government has not taken effective steps to recover the dues, and the project is now facing serious operational issues.

Keltron, the agency responsible for implementing the project, is yet to receive Rs 52 crore from the Kerala Road Safety Authority. As a result, Jio, the project's network service provider, disconnected its services at the end of May over unpaid dues. Because of the network disruption, footage captured by the AI cameras is no longer reaching the traffic control rooms, affecting the enforcement system.

The AI cameras became operational across Kerala on June 5, 2023. In the last week of April this year, the government announced a 50% waiver on traffic fines for all violations recorded up to December 31, 2024. Around 3.92 lakh motorists took advantage of the scheme and paid a total of Rs 13.04 crore in fines. The scheme was not extended after that due to the election period.

After the UDF government assumed office, the Transport Minister had announced that traffic fines would be reduced by 50%. However, no further decision has been taken on the proposal.

• Total AI cameras installed: 675
• Roadside cameras in operation: 675
• Project cost: Rs 232 crore
• Total fine notices issued: 1.42 crore
• Fines paid: 55.53 lakh

Transport Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju said the uncertainty surrounding the functioning of the AI camera system would be resolved soon.