Kathmandu Valley steps up CCTV-based traffic enforcement

Motorists in Kathmandu Valley face a rapidly diminishing chance of escaping punishment for traffic violations. The traffic police now monitor roads around the clock using a network of CCTV cameras linked directly to a central control room, enabling real-time detection and enforcement action.

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Many motorists assume they can break the rules when they don't see a traffic officer. But even if our officers are not standing on the road, we are still watching.

Hundreds of cameras are in operation, with 297 directly feeding into the Traffic Police Control Room. Officers continuously monitor vehicle movements and road conditions, identifying offenses such as running red lights, speeding, riding on pavements, and making illegal turns. This technology-driven surveillance marks a significant shift towards automated traffic management.

Officials report that between 4,000 and 5,000 vehicles are penalized each month based solely on CCTV evidence. The system aims to reduce reliance on officers at intersections and ensure more consistent policing. Senior Superintendent of Police Suresh Kafle highlighted the effectiveness of this approach, stating, "But even if our officers are not standing on the road, we are still watching."

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Traffic management inside the Valley is gradually being handled through smart traffic light systems and AI-generated camera technology. Whenever any road user violates traffic rules, action is taken accordingly.

Furthermore, the integration of smart traffic lights and AI-assisted camera systems is strengthening enforcement. Kafle noted that the system is moving towards issuing fines directly to offenders' homes or mobile phones. "It is becoming increasingly difficult to evade technology-based monitoring," he said. "Technology does not discriminate. It records every violation equally."

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It is becoming increasingly difficult to evade technology-based monitoring. Technology does not discriminate. It records every violation equally.