Puneites React as AI Surveillance Cameras Crack Down on Violations at FC Road

Reported by Vikrant Sonawane

Shivajinagar, 31st May 2025: Citizens are reacting with a mix of appreciation and skepticism as Fergusson College Road (FC Road), one of Pune’s busiest stretches, comes under the watch of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance cameras. The system, introduced to curb traffic violations and enhance security, has already issued nearly 400 digital challans within three days of installation.

The AI-based camera system on FC Road have detected multiple traffic violations such as no parking, double parking, wrong-side driving, and triple riding.

Let’s drive with care and make our streets safer for all.#PTPTrafficUpdates pic.twitter.com/6IJrdqSGbd

— पुणे शहर वाहतूक पोलीस (@PuneCityTraffic) June 1, 2025

“I just found out that FC Road is under AI surveillance. I’m impressed that the system can detect weapons also, which makes it much more powerful than standard CCTV,” said Yashashree Patil, a daily commuter.

However, not everyone shares the same confidence. Abhijeet Sherekar, a regular visitor, said, “Yes, it might reduce traffic violations, but I don’t think it can detect weapons. No one carries them in plain sight. The previous system also issued fines—only time will tell if this is truly better.”

Others are hopeful it will reshape public behavior. “I believe this system will play a crucial role in preventing wrong-side driving and triple-seat riding. It’s a much-needed move for a road like FC,” said Prathamesh Gujar.

The newly installed AI cameras are capable of identifying offences such as wrong-side driving, triple-seat riding, and other violations. Upon detection, the system scans the vehicle’s number plate and issues a challan digitally, reducing human intervention and speeding up enforcement.

Authorities claim the AI system can go beyond traffic enforcement by identifying suspicious behavior and detecting weapons, potentially acting as a preventive tool against criminal threats.

In a unique attempt to increase public accountability, an LED screen has been placed in front of the popular Hotel Vaishali to display live digital challans. However, the display is not fully operational yet, as it awaits a formal electricity connection from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Currently, it runs on a temporary supply from the hotel itself.