As Pune gears up for the Ganeshotsav festival, local traffic authorities have announced the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help manage congestion and optimize personnel deployment during the event.
The Traffic Control Branch will utilize an AI-driven platform named Trafficure from the festival’s opening day to monitor traffic trends, anticipate congestion, and adjust officer assignments based on real-time conditions. Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil informed The Indian Express that the platform will generate daily traffic analyses which will be shared with the public. “From day one, we will be utilizing Trafficure. This AI platform provides predictive insights, allowing us to generate daily reports on congestion patterns, including which areas are most affected and during what times,” Patil explained.
These reports will be accessible via the traffic police’s communication channels and a mobile application. They will offer updates on the current traffic situation as well as forecasts for the next day. The system is expected to be particularly beneficial during Ganeshotsav, a time when traffic dynamics shift frequently due to processions, road closures, diversions, parking limitations, and immersion activities.
Patil noted that the data collected will enable a shift from a static deployment strategy, where personnel are assigned to specific junctions regardless of traffic conditions. “Deployment should focus on areas that experienced congestion the previous day. The AI application will provide us with the necessary data,” he said. The traffic police currently have around 1,100 officers, with additional local manpower from police stations also being utilized during the festival. Officials believe that AI-generated insights will enhance their ability to allocate resources effectively, particularly in areas where traffic issues arise unexpectedly.
The department is also prioritizing clear communication regarding traffic restrictions and diversions for citizens. Information on parking availability, one-way street regulations, road closures, and pedestrian pathways will be disseminated through videos and other digital media.
A similar strategy was employed during this year’s Ashashi Wari, when traffic police shared concise videos detailing road closures, diversions, and traffic flow in various areas. Patil noted that this approach resulted in a significant increase in traffic to the department’s diversion website, diversion.punepolice.gov.in. Over its nearly ten-year operation, the site previously recorded around 2.5 million hits over an eight-year span, but during this year’s Wari, it saw approximately 20.7 million hits.
For Ganeshotsav, the department intends to provide detailed, sector-wise information on traffic restrictions and diversions, following a similar format. The AI platform will also produce data that can inform future traffic management strategies. Officials will evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the system by comparing its congestion predictions with actual road conditions. This initiative will be closely monitored, especially in the latter stages of the festival when immersion parades and related restrictions may lead to fluctuating traffic conditions over several days. The goal for the traffic police is not to replace personnel on the streets but to utilize existing manpower more effectively by directing it to areas in greatest need.
Sushant Kulkarni is a Special Correspondent for The Indian Express in Pune, bringing over 12 years of experience in reporting on issues related to crime, defense, internal security, and the judiciary. He has been part of the Indian Express since July 2010.
Sushant has thoroughly covered law enforcement matters in Pune and its surrounding areas, including cybercrime, narcotics, and terrorism. His defense reporting encompasses operational details of the armed services, research and development in defense, and matters concerning significant defense establishments. He has also reported on numerous sensitive court cases in Pune. Outside of journalism, Sushant is passionate about photography, plays the harmonica, and enjoys cooking.
