Plan to curb smuggling and reduce corruption: AI camera and scanner to reach check posts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Motor Vehicles Department has started a move to conduct checks at check posts using AI cameras and scanners. The MVD had earlier submitted the plan to the Transport Department, which aims to curb illegal smuggling and reduce corruption among officials. A favourable reply has been received now. Transport Commissioner C Nagaraju will visit Palakkad check posts today to prepare a detailed report on the project implementation. Palakkad has the highest number of check posts in the state. There are eight.

Earlier weighbridges were used to know the weight of the load. They are non-functional in most places now. There were complaints of officials taking bribes at many check posts taking advantage of this.

A deal to install AI cameras on roads to detect traffic violations had sparked political controversy. A 232 crore project was implemented by the government through Keltron.

No need to stop vehicle, message mentioning fine to owner

• Not all vehicles need to be stopped. AI cameras will bring all the information of the vehicles to the control room.
• When the vehicle passes through the scanner, it will be known if the weight is more than the allowed weight and if anything is being smuggled illegally. The information will be shared with the Excise, Sales Tax and Motor Vehicle Departments at the same time.
• Information on problems like tax, insurance, smoke certificate, excess weight and irregular modifications in the vehicle will be sent to the owner's mobile number at the time the vehicle crosses the check post.
• The fine can be paid online. If the fine is not paid, the vehicles will be blacklisted. The vehicles will be seized later. There will also be a mechanism for the owner to complain against the fine.

Project cost: 150 crores

Check Posts: 19