By Piyush M Padwale
12 AI-powered CCTV cameras with digital display warning boards will be installed along two road stretches near Pune Airport. The first one is between Weikfield Chowk to Airport Road, and the second one is between VIP Road (Symbiosis College Road) and the airport, covering approximately 500-700 metres.
The purpose of doing this is to reduce traffic congestion and tackle illegal parking near the airport, especially by cabs and private vehicles dropping off or picking up passengers.
These AI cams will be linked to a control room, and when an illegally parked vehicle is detected, a warning will be displayed on nearby boards. The driver will have two minutes to move the vehicle. If the vehicle is not moved within that time, the driver can be fined ₹500.
The cameras are expected to be operational by the end of October or early November. The installation will be funded via corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions.
Some of the issues that lead to this were that even when parking is prohibited on these critical stretches, many motorists avoid parking areas and opt to illegally stop at the roadside, causing frequent traffic snarls. This behaviour tends to spike especially in late evenings when police presence is minimal.
On the other hand, designated parking facilities at AeroMall and a private space on VIP road go underused because people want to avoid paying parking fees.
Traffic officials believe the cameras shall serve as deterrents, especially during times when police presence is low, i.e., nights and late evenings, while some residents/businesses also welcome the idea but expressed frustration over the delays in implementation.
There are also many suggestions being made in order to improve the tech solution as a means for better private security during the evenings.