Dismantle faulty AI traffic signal at Merces, PWD told
The PWD has been directed to dismantle a wrongly positioned and defunct traffic signal near Merces junction by July 4, following sharp criticism at the North Goa District Road Safety Committee meeting held on Monday.
The signal, part of a much-hyped AI-based traffic management system launched in March 2023 by Beltech AI Pvt Ltd, caused confusion among motorists due to its incorrect placement and months of non-functioning.
Monday's action comes after the additional collector-I rejected the PWD's proposal to delay removal until fresh tender approvals were secured. Sources said the initial plan was to replace the signal under a new tender, but growing complaints forced the department's hand.
'Some motorists even threatened to file a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, for 'deficiency of service',' sources said.
The district magistrate's office first flagged the issue this March, instructing the PWD to remove the non-functional signal that was out of order for over three months at the time, saying it 'will not serve any purpose'.
Launched in March 2023, the AI traffic signal system was part of a pilot project to improve road safety through AI-enabled surveillance, automatic detection of traffic violations, challan generation, and traffic pattern analysis.
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The initiative showed early signs of success — speeding violations dropped sharply from 5,265 in June 2023 to 1,891 by May 2024.
Between June 1 and Dec 31, 2023, the system helped the traffic cell and transport department collect around Rs 2.2 crore in fines. From Jan to May 31, 2024, an additional Rs 48.6 lakh was collected, taking the total revenue generated to about Rs 2.7 crore.
Despite its promising start, the system faced operational hiccups. A technical glitch in Feb and March 2024 halted its functioning, while the defunct signal near Merces emerged as a prominent irritant for motorists navigating the busy junction.
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