Odisha Govt Activate AI Cameras on Four National Highway Corridors

Bhubaneswar: In a major push to strengthen road safety and enforce traffic discipline, the Odisha government has activated Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled surveillance cameras along four major national highway corridors. The system, which became operational on August 1, will automatically detect traffic violations and generate e-challans for offenders.

Officials said motorists found riding without helmets, driving without seat belts or exceeding speed limits will be liable for penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The AI-powered surveillance network has been installed along four key highway stretches — Manguli–Sambalpur, Sambalpur–Raipur, Berhampur–Bhanjanagar and Bhanjanagar–Taptapani. Equipped with advanced image recognition technology, the cameras are capable of identifying multiple traffic violations in real time, enabling continuous and automated enforcement.

Transport authorities said the initiative is aimed at reducing road accidents by promoting greater compliance with traffic regulations. They urged commuters using these routes to strictly adhere to safety norms, warning that violations captured by the AI system would result in automatic issuance of e-challans.

The surveillance system is being monitored round the clock by Regional Transport Office (RTO) personnel, who are also conducting awareness campaigns to familiarise motorists with the new enforcement mechanism.

"We want to inform and create awareness among the public that AI cameras are now operational and e-challans will be generated automatically for traffic violations. We appeal to all motorists to follow traffic rules, wear helmets and seat belts, and drive responsibly so that they reach their destinations safely," an Additional Regional Transport Officer said.

Meanwhile, the move has drawn mixed reactions from road users. A commuter travelling on National Highway-55 in Dhenkanal said he was unaware that the AI surveillance system had become operational. While welcoming efforts to improve road safety, he urged the authorities to prioritise the repair of damaged highway stretches alongside stricter enforcement measures.