New Delhi, July 6
Odisha Police is set to introduce groundbreaking AI-powered technology for the upcoming Rath Yatra, marking a historic first in its efforts towards effective traffic and crowd management.
This initiative includes advanced capabilities such as congestion detection, vehicle counting, and real-time updates, all integrated seamlessly with drones and CCTV systems. This technological leap forward promises to significantly enhance traffic management and public safety, delivering real-time traffic updates to devotees through the dedicated Traffic Command and Control Room.
To ensure public safety during the Rath Yatra, Odisha Police will deploy five state-of-the-art Jaga drones equipped with public announcement systems. These drones will play a crucial role in real-time announcements, crowd management, and maintaining overall public safety, ensuring a smooth and orderly event.
Jaga drone, built by Odisha-based company IG Drones is inspired by Lord Jagannath. This cutting-edge surveillance drone excels in security, defense, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring. With high-res cameras and advanced sensors, its agile design ensures precise data collection and real-time surveillance. Combining innovation with reliability, it delivers unmatched performance.
A citywide surveillance network will consist of fifty-five CCTV cameras strategically positioned across key areas, complemented by an additional five drones to cover blind spots. This comprehensive system not only enhances public safety but also improves incident response times. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, these drones excel in security and precise monitoring, ensuring accurate data collection and real-time surveillance.
For the first time during Rath Yatra, Odisha Police will introduce a WhatsApp ChatBot for real-time traffic monitoring and updates. This innovative solution aims to keep the public informed about traffic conditions, facilitating more efficient navigation through the city. A detailed mobility plan has been devised to manage crowds during key Yatra phases like Gundicha, Bahuda, and Sunabesh, including the provision of multiple dedicated high-capacity parking lots.
In addition to surveillance drones, Odisha Police will use augmented animated videos to guide traffic routes, enhancing traffic operations and minimizing congestion during the Rath Yatra. Real-time traffic updates will be displayed on LED vans across the city, providing the public with current traffic conditions and aiding informed travel decisions based on inputs from the Traffic Command and Control Center. All these tech initiatives will be launched from July 6 onwards.
Speaking on the arrangements, Dayal Gangwar, ADG Odisha Police said, “We are proud to announce this groundbreaking implementation of AI-powered technology for the auspicious Jagannath Rath Yatra. This marks a historic first in our unwavering commitment to public safety and efficient traffic management. Cutting-edge solutions like real-time congestion detection, vehicle counting, and drone surveillance will be seamlessly integrated with our CCTV network, providing invaluable insights for smoother traffic flow and crowd control”.
The officer added, "To ensure comprehensive coverage, a city-wide network of CCTV cameras will be strategically placed, complemented by drones for comprehensive surveillance. For the first time ever, devotees can stay informed with our innovative WhatsApp ChatBot, providing real-time traffic updates for effortless navigation. A meticulously crafted mobility plan, including dedicated high-capacity parking zones, will ensure seamless crowd management during peak phases of the Yatra. This robust system will not only enhance public safety but also enable swifter response times in the event of an incident”.
AI technology will support real-time parking space information and route planning, enabling drivers to quickly find parking and navigate the city efficiently. A dedicated team of experts will monitor drone operations throughout the event, ensuring safe and effective management and coordinating emergency responses in real-time to incidents that may arise.
To further engage the public, updates on traffic, motion videos, and real-time activities will be actively shared on social media platforms. Additionally, a dedicated helpline (73816-90900) will be available 24x7 to provide real-time updates from the Traffic Command Center, supporting public assistance and queries during the Rath Yatra.
The security deployment includes a robust force comprising 4 Commandants, 7 DCs/Addl. SPs, 19 DSPs/Assistant Commandants, 55 Inspectors/Sub Inspectors, 337 SIs/ASIs, 46 Havildars, 12 Tr. Havildars, 402 Constables, 78 Tr. Constables, and 1300 HGs. Strict enforcement of no-vehicle zones along the Grand Road and from Hospital Crossing to Subash Bose Crossing will further ensure safety and streamline traffic flow.
A heavy traffic inflow is anticipated, with a traffic mobility plan and parking arrangements prepared for around 500 buses, 5000 LMVs, and 20000 two-wheelers. Contingency measures are also in place for excessive vehicle inflow.
The official traffic advisory further states that all inter-state and tourist buses will stop and park at Malatipatapur Bus Stand. Regular passenger buses will proceed to Talabania Temporary Bus Stand via Malatipatapur ROB, Baidas Nagar Chhaka, Grid Station Chhaka, and Bhudan Chhaka.
Additionally, vehicular traffic regulation will be imposed from midnight on July 6 to midnight on July 9 and from midnight on Jul 14 to midnight on July 16 as per the traffic mobility plan. The entire Grand Road and the area from Hospital Crossing to Subas Bose Crossing will be designated as a no-vehicle zone.
These innovative measures underscore Odisha Police's commitment to transforming traffic management and enhancing public safety during the Rath Yatra, demonstrating the transformative impact of technology in creating a safer and more efficient environment for all.
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