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The Kerala government’s decision to launch an automated system to detect traffic crimes, by deploying artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras, has snowballed into a major controversy with the Congress-led Opposition alleging a lack of transparency in project allocation, and the government announcing a probe into state-owned KELTRON, which has implemented the project.
The state motor vehicle department made the AI camera system operational last week as part of the Safe Kerala drive aimed at preventing road accidents and detecting traffic crimes using modern technology. Under the project, the department deployed 726 AI-enabled cameras across various highways in the state. The automated detection of traffic crimes was meant to replace the existing system, which relied on officers manually flagging down vehicles on the road.
Of the 726 cameras installed as part of the Rs 232-crore project, 675 cameras were meant to detect people flouting helmet and seatbelt rules as well as to keep a track of hit-and-run cases. Another set of cameras were meant to detect illegal parking, over-speeding and other violations. The department has planned a hefty penalty for violations detected by the cameras, which would feed the visuals and data to a state control room as well as to 14 district control rooms. The government also envisaged a hike in revenue in the form of traffic penalty. Penalties for violations detected by the cameras would come into effect from May 21 after a one-month grace period.
The state Opposition leader V D Satheesan on Wednesday wrote to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan demanding details about the contract between KELTRON and the state Motor Vehicles Department.
“The automated traffic enforcement system is shrouded in mystery and lacks transparency. The cameras were purchased at an exorbitant price and there is no transparency in selecting the firms in the project. KELTRON had worked against the provisions in the agreement with the motor vehicles department, raising suspicion about corruption. KELTRON, which bagged the bid for the scheme for Rs 232 crore, had given the sub-contract to Bengaluru-based SRIT for Rs 151 crore. The SRIT had formed a consortium of various firms to implement the project, which shows that the SRIT got the sub contract without any technical know-how,” he said.
Senior Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala alleged that a major chunk of the money collected as penalty through the use of these cameras would go to private companies involved in the project.
In response, Industries Minister P Rajeeve told reporters that the allegations against KELTRON would be looked into. “The Industries Principal Secretary will look into the allegations. KELTRON had informed the government about the involvement of sub-contractors in the project. All steps related to the tender were done legally. The previous Congress government had erected 100 cameras, spending Rs 40 crore. We have nothing to hide,” he said.
The minister said the Rs 232-crore contract would include the establishment cost of control rooms and maintenance of the cameras and related systems.
He said KELTRON has been asked to cooperate with the Vigilance probe and share relevant details.
The launch of the project last week also came at a time when former joint transport commissioner Rajeev Puthalath is facing a Vigilance probe regarding one of the deals in the Safe Kerala drive.
