Drones Take to Dhaka Skies to Ease Traffic Congestion

BSS

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken an initiative to introduce drone surveillance in the capital to control traffic congestion and restore discipline on the roads, following the use of AI-powered cameras.

Initially, a drone will be used on a trial basis to monitor major roads and congestion-prone areas in real time. If successful, drones could later be equipped with automatic number plate recognition technology to identify traffic violators and support video-based cases.

DMP Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman said aerial surveillance would help identify the causes of sudden congestion on roads, flyovers and elevated expressways and allow traffic officials to respond quickly.

Drones equipped with audio systems could also be used to warn drivers at the scene. However, automatic filing of cases will not be introduced immediately. Officials will first review the footage and confirm any violation before taking legal action to prevent harassment of innocent people.

Anisur Rahman also identified uncontrolled public bus movement as a major cause of congestion. He said buses often stop outside designated stops to pick up and drop off passengers, while competition among drivers further disrupts traffic. He stressed the need for e-ticketing and effective bus route rationalisation.

Meanwhile, AI cameras are already being used to detect signal violations, lane violations and wrong-way driving. By the end of June, the DMP had reported around 1,500 cases and 38,000 notices through the system.

The DMP is also installing around 1,000 “plug-and-play” cameras and training personnel to operate drones. Officials said the effectiveness, cost, infrastructure needs and potential risks of the trial would be assessed before expanding the programme.