Hyderabad: The Automatic Number Plate Reader (ANPR) system, previously deployed in Hyderabad primarily as a camera-based tool for detecting traffic violations and tracking suspect vehicles, is being used in a more advanced form during the Medaram Jatara. Unlike in Hyderabad, where ANPR cameras largely capture images for later verification by traffic personnel, the Medaram deployment integrates server-based AI analytics and drone surveillance. Officials said the system is being used to analyse vehicle parking patterns, identify stolen or suspicious vehicles in real time, and regulate parking by monitoring the inflow and outflow of vehicles.According to Telangana police, the key component of the vehicle-tracking system is the installation of cameras at entry and exit points along five routes leading to Medaram: one from Parsa, one from Tadwai, and three other smaller routes. Every vehicle that enters or exits is scanned, with its registration number captured and uploaded to a central server. AI-based analytics are then used to identify the vehicle owner and the vehicle type. This helps track stolen vehicles and detect discrepancies — for instance, if a car number is found registered to a two-wheeler, or a bike number is registered to a car, the system immediately flags it as suspicious.The system also tracks vehicle flow by counting vehicles entering and exiting each route. This enables authorities to identify which routes are experiencing heavier traffic and, accordingly, divert vehicles to suitable parking spaces. The identified parking areas can accommodate up to three lakh vehicles.Drones continuously monitor these parking areas and relay real-time information on available space to the control room. This information is passed to on-the-ground traffic police, enabling them to direct vehicles to designated parking zones and prevent congestion caused by multiple vehicles rushing to a single location.In addition, drones patrol along the routes from Parsa to Medaram (22 km) and from Tadwai to Medaram (23 km). They monitor traffic congestion and, using geolocation data, alert traffic police to clear jams quickly.Cameras have also been installed at the darshan queue entry and exit points. These allow authorities to track the number of people entering and exiting, helping them assess the pace of darshan within the Medaram premises. Based on this data, officials can regulate queues, accelerate the flow, and estimate the inflow and outflow of devotees.These systems were developed by TG Quest and the Special Intelligence Branch, headed by IG B Sumati. MSID:: 127161849 413 |
