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The Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, also known as National Highway 275 (NH-275), is undergoing a significant upgrade to improve road safety and reduce accidents. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to install one AI camera every 2 kilometers along the 118-kilometer stretch of the expressway. Let's delve into the details of this transformative initiative aimed at enhancing highway safety.
Addressing Safety Concerns
The decision to install AI cameras every 2 kilometers along the expressway marks a significant departure from the original plan, which called for one camera per 10 kilometers. This decision comes in response to the alarming rate of accidents on the expressway, which claimed the lives of 158 individuals within nine months of its opening to traffic. In light of these concerns, Alok Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Traffic and Road Safety, personally inspected the highway and directed the traffic police to intensify operations to enforce traffic regulations.
Collaborative Efforts for Enhanced Surveillance
Following the ADGP's directives, district police officials collaborated with NHAI to enhance surveillance and accident prevention measures on the expressway. Suggestions included the installation of AI-based Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras capable of identifying speeding vehicles, unauthorized entries, and violations such as mobile phone usage and failure to wear seat belts.
Installation and Functionality of AI Cameras
The NHAI has initiated the installation of over 60 AI-based ANPR cameras at strategic locations on both the Bengaluru-Nidaghatta and Nidaghatta-Mysuru stretches of the expressway. These cameras will be installed at regular intervals along the highway, supported by exclusive arches equipped with solar-powered panels. Each side of these arches will house five cameras and lane-wise speed limit indicators for enhanced surveillance.
Once operational, these cameras will automatically detect violations through photographs and registration number plates, enabling authorities to penalize violators with hefty fines as a deterrent against future infractions. The initiative aims to minimize accidents and ensure safer travel along the expressway.
Significant Investment and Progress
NHAI has sanctioned Rs. 3.63 crore for the deployment of ANPR cameras on the expressway. The tender process for the installation of these cameras has been completed, paving the way for their swift deployment. These advanced AI cameras are not only capable of detecting vehicles exceeding speed limits but also identifying prohibited vehicles such as two-wheelers and three-wheelers.
Impact on Road Safety
Rigorous enforcement of speed limits, aided by existing ANPR cameras and penalties for offenders, has already resulted in a notable decrease in accident rates on the expressway. The introduction of AI-based ANPR cameras marks another significant step towards reducing accidents and fatalities on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway.
Project Overview: Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway
The Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway serves as a crucial road link connecting Bengaluru and Mysuru in Karnataka, India. It is part of the larger Bengaluru-Mangaluru Economic Corridor (EC-34), enhancing connectivity between major cities in the region.
Key Features and Upgrades
The expressway is elevated and access-controlled, ensuring smoother traffic flow. It includes four rail overbridges, nine significant bridges, 40 minor bridges, and 89 underpasses and overpasses. Additionally, there are two-lane service roads running alongside the six-lane main carriageway.
Travel Time Reduction and Project Timeline
The expressway significantly reduces travel time between Bengaluru and Mysuru, with the journey now taking approximately 75 minutes compared to the previous 3 hours. Despite challenges due to land acquisition issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, construction progressed in both phases, with Phase 1 awarded to Dilip Buildcon Limited in April 2018.
