
Vizag police leverage tech to manage crowd
International Yoga Day
celebrations in Visakhapatnam city were marked by high-tech surveillance and effective traffic management, thanks to a comprehensive network of over 3,000 high-definition CCTV cameras, including 1,200 cameras along the beach road stretch.
Drones and thousands of security personnel were also deployed at various locations to ensure seamless execution of the event.
Despite initial traffic disruptions on June 18, particularly on the stretch from Maddilapalem to Yendada, the police learned from their experience and effectively managed traffic on June 19, 20, and 21. Police personnel were deployed at every key junction and parking point in the city to regulate traffic, and the ASTraM app was introduced to enhance traffic management.
The app provided holistic insights into the road traffic scenario, enabling the police to take spontaneous decisions for effective traffic management during the yoga event. As a result, despite a large turnout of vehicles, the police were able to ease traffic congestion and facilitate the smooth movement.
On the day of the event, vehicles moved at a slow pace in some stretches of the city in the early hours, but the police managed traffic flow, allowing most participants to reach the yoga event on time.
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New Indian Express
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Andhra Pradesh police boost tech-driven traffic control with drones, new patrol vehicles
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An engineering graduate in Electronics and Communication from Bengaluru's RV College of Engineering, Karthik Reddy is at the helm of traffic management for one of world's most congested cities – Bengaluru. Reddy, a 2011 IPS officer, has served in various capacities throughout his career, but is taking over traffic management for the first time. He served as the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Bijapur, Tumkur, and Ramanagara. His last posting was as SP Wireless, Bengaluru, where he was involved in steering communication networks with technology across police departments. Just around three days old to the new job, Reddy has charted out a to-do list to address Bengaluru's traffic woes. From prioritizing traffic management with the police on ground to reinforcing carpooling and public transport systems, Reddy speaks to The Indian Express on his plan of action. Excerpts from the interview: Q: What is your primary goal as a traffic chief? Karthik Reddy: We are focusing on 'boots on the ground,' ensuring police presence at major junctions by 7 am to manage early morning traffic. Officers are required to report and send photos to confirm their presence using the ASTRAM application. Additionally, we are strictly enforcing a 2014 government order that prohibits heavy vehicles in the city from 7 am to 11 am and 4.30 pm to 9 pm. Our major role is traffic regulation and management, especially during peak hours. Enforcement is stricter during non-peak hours, but the focus during peak times is on ensuring smoother vehicle movement. Q: What is your assessment of Bengaluru traffic and what are the major challenges you face? Reddy: The traffic situation in Bengaluru remains challenging, particularly in areas like the Outer Ring Road (between KR Puram and Silk Board), where congestion is significant. 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