AP clears ₹99 crore AI traffic management system for Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh government has given administrative sanction for implementing Project Sarthi (systematic augmented radial traffic and hoop induction) in Visakhapatnam at a cost of Rs 99.19 crore. The project aims to introduce an integrated AI-based intelligent traffic management system across 101 traffic junctions in the city.With traffic increasing on major roads, beach corridors, BRTS routes and NH-16 stretches, the government felt the need for a modern, real-time traffic management system. Under the project, GVMC will introduce AI-based traffic monitoring and enforcement systems. These will include adaptive traffic signals, red-light violation detection, automatic number plate recognition, helmet and triple-riding detection, wrong-way driving detection and identification of non-standard number plates. The system will also support free-flow traffic monitoring, facial recognition at selected locations, pedestrian signals and integration with police command-and-control systems.The project will install adaptive traffic control systems at 101 junctions and violation detection systems at 90 junctions. Free-flow traffic monitoring will cover 14 locations. Facial recognition systems will be installed at 12 locations, while pedestrian safety signals will be set up at five locations.Before approval was accorded to the project, officials conducted a proof of concept for the facial recognition component at Satyam Junction in Vizag city in March. The system was tested for identifying people wearing helmets, masks, caps and goggles. It was also tested for matching older photographs with present-day images using AI technology. Officials said the successful trial improved confidence in the system’s usefulness for policing, public safety and enforcement.One of the key features of Sarthi is the adaptive traffic control system, which will automatically adjust traffic signal timings based on real-time vehicle movement. Officials said this would reduce waiting time, improve traffic flow and ease congestion at junctions. The system will also help create green corridors for emergency vehicles and VIP movement on important routes, including NH corridors, railway station road and BRTS stretches.State municipal administration minister P Narayana said Project Sarthi is a major step towards making Visakhapatnam a safer and smarter city. “The project will improve traffic discipline, reduce congestion, and enhance road safety and support citizens with smoother and more predictable movement across the city,” said Narayana.Principal secretary, municipal administration and urban development, S Suresh Kumar said Sarthi is not just a traffic signal improvement project but a larger AI-enabled urban mobility platform. “The project has been structured to ensure not only installation of technology but also long-term functionality, accountability and sustainability. The escrow mechanism and performance-based payment structure will ensure that the system continues to operate effectively over the five-year operational and maintenance period,” said Kumar.AI surveillance, adaptive signalsThe government approved 60% capital expenditure (capex) support worth Rs 49.54 crore for the projectGVMC will bear the remaining capex and five-year operation and maintenance cost of Rs 49.65 croreThe amount will be paid bi-annually using GVMC funds and revenue from e-challans and enforcement collectionsThe government also allowed VMRDA to contribute Rs 20 crore towards the projectA dedicated escrow account will be maintained by the GVMC commissioner for Project SarthiThe account will be used exclusively for implementation and operation of the projectRevenue from e-challans, traffic penalties and enforcement collections will be deposited into the escrow accountPayments to the selected agency will be released after verification of milestones and performance