New Technology to Crack Down on Traffic Violators

Mumbai: In a bid to boost road safety, the Maharashtra transport department plans to launch high-tech interceptors with satellite-powered radar technology to catch traffic violators. The deployment is set to take place during the annual Road Safety Week in January 2025.

The new vehicles will be equipped with advanced radar systems that can capture offenders over an entire marked area instead of just a single vehicle. This marks a significant improvement from the current manual system where officers have to rely on one vehicle at a time.

According to officials, the violations fed into the database include not wearing helmets, seat belts, speeding, and other driving-related offenses.

The Maharashtra transport department has already procured 69 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles with the latest technology, which is expected to cost Rs 16 lakh. The new high-tech interceptors are also equipped with data from the 'Vahan' software, allowing for speed checks up to a distance of 1.5 kilometers away.

In addition, this technology will enhance existing capabilities of RTO flying squads already armed with interceptor vehicles equipped with speed guns and other safety gear. Their cameras can now detect number plates from over 500 meters away. With the new deployment, every RTO office is set to receive the high-tech updates.

Maharashtra transport commissioner, Vivek Bhimanwar, has confirmed this development and hinted at a significant improvement in road safety through the adoption of cutting-edge technology.