In a bid to curb traffic congestion and restore order on the city streets, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is preparing to launch a pilot drone surveillance initiative, following the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras.
In an interview at DMP headquarters, DMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman revealed that the project is in its experimental phase, reports BSS.
Initially, a single drone provided by an agency is being tested to gather real-time data from key congestion-prone areas and major roadways.
Real-time monitoring and enforcement
According to the DMP official, drone surveillance will help the traffic department identify bottlenecks and coordinate responses swiftly, particularly on flyovers and the elevated expressway where the causes of traffic jams are often difficult to pinpoint immediately.
“Drone surveillance is used in many countries, but it is a completely new concept for us,” he said. The drones will be equipped with speaker systems to broadcast real-time audio warnings to traffic violators, such as directing a blocking vehicle to move away.
The DMP also plans to integrate Automated Number Plate Reader (ANPR) technology into the drones, which would enable automated video-based prosecutions. However, Anisur clarified that prosecutions will not be fully automated in the initial stages to prevent errors.
“We have not yet reached the stage of automated prosecutions. While it is possible, there is a risk of error. We want to ensure no injustice is done, so we will first analyse the video footage before issuing cases,” he explained.
Anisur emphasised that work quality is not measured by the number of cases filed. “A high number of cases actually means more people are breaking the law. Our goal is not to issue cases, but to encourage compliance with road traffic laws,” he noted.
Systemic public transport challenges
Addressing the broader issues plaguing Dhaka’s traffic, the DMP official highlighted that the city’s buses rarely stop at designated passenger shelters.
This stems from the contract system under which buses are leased to transport workers, leaving owners with little direct control over operations. Transport workers pay a fixed daily rent to owners, fostering intense competition to secure passengers.
“In developed countries, buses run at fixed intervals under a structured system,” Anisur observed. “In our country, the lack of such a system forces drivers to compete for passengers, leaving nearly every bus in Dhaka covered in dents and scratches, looking like the face of a smallpox patient”.
He stressed that these problems would persist until the city successfully implements e-ticketing and bus route rationalisation.
Infrastructure and training programmes
Implementing drone technology comes with infrastructure challenges. Since the system is internet- and server-based, it requires dedicated space, servers, and ongoing operational funding.
Moreover, because operating drones is highly technical, DMP has initiated training programmes for its personnel. A team from Tejgaon Division has already completed training, and personnel from Uttara Division are scheduled to begin training next week.
The DMP has previously integrated AI technology across 15 traffic signals, including 14 starting from Shahbagh and one on Lake Road. While the AI signals are currently functional, the DMP official admitted that challenges remain and that changing public habits takes time.
“We will test the drone system thoroughly. If any negative outcomes are observed, we will not proceed with its implementation,” Anisur concluded.
