Mohali’s AI cameras issue Rs 1.40 crore in fines in a week, could surpass city’s annual property tax revenue
Jumping red lights and ignoring the zebra crossing among the major offences
2 min read
Many key locations in the city still lack AI cameras, and officials anticipate that once these are installed citywide, the revenue from traffic fines could be even higher. (File)Mohali has adopted a strict approach to traffic violations with the introduction of AI-powered cameras, which have issued e-challans worth ₹1.40 crore within just a week of their launch on March 5. The scale of fines collected is striking, considering that the Mohali Municipal Corporation’s annual property tax revenue stands at ₹41 crore. At the current rate, the total fines generated in 30 weeks could exceed the city’s yearly property tax earnings.
With 351 AI-enabled cameras installed at just 17 locations, motorists are under continuous surveillance. As a result, violating traffic rules now carries a heavy financial penalty—similar to the high fines imposed in some foreign countries.
Many key locations in the city still lack AI cameras, and officials anticipate that once these are installed citywide, the revenue from traffic fines could be even higher. However, the most significant outcome so far has been the noticeable improvement in traffic discipline.
In the first seven days, 14,400 challans were issued, but only ₹4.90 lakh has been paid so far. The Punjab Police has collected this amount in revenue from e-challans. Despite the high number of fines, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has emphasized that the primary objective of the initiative is not revenue generation but improving road safety and preventing accidents.
Common traffic violations
According to SP Traffic HS Maan, the AI cameras have detected several frequent violations, including:
• Jumping red lights
• Ignoring zebra crossings
• Using mobile phones while driving
• Riding without a helmet
SP Maan also pointed out certain shortcomings in the current system and has written to Mohali Deputy Commissioner (DC), urging various departments to take corrective measures. The key issues highlighted include:
• Faded zebra crossings
• Malfunctioning traffic lights
• Missing or damaged speed limit boards
• Lack of proper road signs
Potential revenue surpassing property tax
If the 17 AI cameras continue issuing fines at this rate, the traffic police could collect more revenue in 30 weeks than the Mohali Municipal Corporation generates annually through property tax. With further expansion of the system, the financial and regulatory impact could be even greater.
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