‘Your challan will reach home before you do’: As Mohali gets Punjab’s first AI-based traffic control system, CM Mann warns reckless drivers

Praising MLA Kulwant Singh for his efforts in bringing the advanced system to the city, Mann humorously pointed out that many Punjabi drivers follow traffic rules in Chandigarh but become reckless the moment they enter Mohali. He stressed that the AI-driven system would help curb violations and prevent accidents. Urging citizens to drive safely, he said, “Remember, never overtake on inclines, declines, or turns—this simple rule can save lives.”

The system’s implementation began early, with the first automated challan for red-light jumping issued at 7.30 am.

Smart surveillance at 100 locations

Under the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), the Mohali police have installed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) CCTV cameras and facial recognition technology at key locations, including entry points, intersections, and public spaces. The system also features adaptive traffic control (ATC) and vehicle-actuated control (VAC)-based traffic lights for smoother regulation.

Currently, Mohali operates a Rs 21.60-crore surveillance network with 350 cameras at 17 locations. In addition, 70 radio frequency (RF)-based wireless CCTVs have been installed in Zirakpur, and 35 cameras cover high-risk areas such as Phase 3B2 and Jubilee Walk.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said the project would soon expand with 50 new cameras in Kharar, while additional installations are planned for Derabassi and Lalru under different funding schemes. He confirmed that similar AI-based surveillance systems would be introduced in Patiala, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, and other cities

The newly inaugurated Phase 1 includes:

• 175 automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras

• 50 Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras

• 92 bullet cameras for general surveillance

• 18 PTZ (Pan, Tilt, and Zoom) cameras for enhanced monitoring

• Speed violation detection systems at two key locations with 16 cameras

MLA Kulwant Singh thanked the chief minister for launching the project in Mohali and announced another Rs 50-crore initiative to extend AI surveillance across the district.

CM Mann gave drivers a light-hearted warning, noting that the new cameras capture full front-seat photos on challans, which will be sent directly to home addresses. “Make sure you don’t just get a challan but also avoid any unexpected trouble at home,” he joked.

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