ANPR cams, enforcement halve accidents on Mandya NH stretch

Mandya: A combination of advanced technology, enforcement, and targeted road safety measures has led to a significant decline in accidents on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway that passes through Mandya district.Over the last two-and-a-half years, road accidents on this stretch have reduced by nearly 50%, according to district authorities.A major factor contributing to the decline in accidents has been the installation of five artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras along NH-275. Commissioned in June 2024, these cameras automatically detect traffic violations such as speeding and generate cases under the Indian Motor Vehicles Act.

E-challans are issued electronically, and penalties are collected online.Speaking to TOI, deputy commissioner Kumara said the district administration, in coordination with traffic enforcement agencies and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has been implementing a series of measures aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatalities on national highways.“Locations with a high frequency of accidents (blackspots) have been identified, and corrective measures are being undertaken in coordination with the departments concerned.

The objective is not only to reduce accidents, but to permanently eliminate accident-prone stretches,” Kumara said.Official data indicates a steady decline in the number of blackspots in the district. While 26 such locations were identified in 2024, the number came down to 19 in 2025, officials said.Authorities have adopted a policy of immediate intervention whenever an accident results in two or more fatalities.

Joint inspections are conducted by departments concerned to determine the cause of accidents, and corrective measures are recommended immediately.Warning signboards, cautionary indicators, reflective markers, and other safety installations have also been placed at vulnerable points.“The AI-based surveillance system has significantly improved compliance with traffic rules and brought greater lane discipline among motorists. Strict action is also being taken against wrong-side driving, speeding, and other violations on national highways across the district,” added Kumara.