Dhaka Police to Deploy Drones for Traffic Monitoring

Dhaka Metropolitan Police is preparing to deploy drones to monitor traffic congestion across the capital, enhancing its existing use of artificial intelligence-powered cameras for traffic management. The drones will initially be tested in areas prone to congestion, enabling traffic police to gather real-time information and respond more swiftly to gridlock. According to Md Anisur Rahman, DMP Additional Police Commissioner for Traffic, this technology could later be integrated with automated number plate recognition (ANPR) systems to identify traffic rule violators. Video footage from the drones may also serve as evidence for traffic cases. Rahman noted that congestion often develops on Dhaka's flyovers and around key locations like the elevated expressway, Bahadur Shah Park, and the Gulistan flyover. Drones offer an aerial perspective to quickly identify blockage causes, allowing officers to intervene faster than current methods. The planned drones will also have the capability to broadcast voice warnings to motorists, instructing drivers to clear roads if they are obstructing traffic or breaking rules. The DMP is in the early stages of testing this technology, having received one drone and aiming to begin field trials soon. The system's effectiveness will rely on robust internet and server infrastructure for real-time data transmission. Personnel are undergoing training to operate the equipment, with one team already trained and others scheduled for upcoming sessions. While the technology could eventually support automated traffic enforcement, the DMP is not yet ready for automatic case filing.

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The drones will initially be tested at congestion-prone locations, allowing traffic police to obtain real-time information and respond more quickly to gridlock.