15-07-2025
GVMC launches AI-based ‘Project SARTHI' for smart traffic management in Visakhapatnam
Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg on Tuesday announced the launch of 'Project SARTHI' (Systematic Augmented Radial Traffic & Hoop Induction), a pilot initiative to implement an AI-based Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) in the city.
The project, being implemented in coordination with the Traffic Police Department, involves five IT companies working across selected city stretches. It includes Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD), and Facial Recognition Systems (FRS). ANPR and RLVD systems are being tested at Akkayyapalem, Urvasi, R&B, Gopalapatnam, and Yendada Junctions, while FRS is being piloted at Sampath Vinayaka Temple, Dwaraka RTC Complex, Passport Office-R&B, Simhachalam RTC Complex, and VIMS Hospital area.
The Commissioner said the objective is to ensure smooth vehicular movement, reduce accidents and traffic violations, and align with smart city goals. The pilot will run for a month, following which the most effective model will be scaled up across the city.
Garbage collection
In a separate review meeting with Public Health Officials, Mr. Garg instructed them to personally inspect sanitation work every morning. He emphasised that daily household garbage collection through CLAP vehicles must be ensured, with each vehicle making three mandatory trips as per route maps. He also directed that microphone announcements be made during garbage collection to spread public awareness. Ward sanitary secretaries and inspectors were asked to identify and monitor frequent garbage dumping points and to move compactor bins periodically to avoid accumulation.
Any waste found outside commercial complexes must attract penalties from shop owners, he said.
