Pune’s iconic Fergusson College Road (FC Road) has become the latest hotspot for AI-powered surveillance cameras, now actively detecting and recording traffic and civic violations. The move, part of the city’s ongoing smart city initiative, has triggered a wave of reactions from residents, commuters, students, and business owners, highlighting both the promise and challenges of technology-driven urban discipline.

The newly installed AI surveillance system comprises high-definition cameras equipped with advanced machine learning algorithms. These cameras automatically identify a range of violations, including:

• Illegal parking

• Signal jumping

• Wrong-way driving

• Littering and spitting

• Encroachment on footpaths

Violators are instantly flagged, and digital challans (fines) are issued directly to their registered mobile numbers or email addresses. The system is integrated with the city’s traffic management and municipal databases, ensuring swift and accurate enforcement.

Many residents and regular commuters have welcomed the move, citing improved traffic flow and a cleaner, safer environment. “FC Road had become notorious for chaos, double parking, jaywalking, and littering. The AI cameras are finally bringing some order,” said Priya Deshpande, a local business owner.

Students from nearby colleges also appreciate the increased safety, especially at busy intersections and zebra crossings.

However, some Puneites worry about privacy and the potential for over-policing. “Continuous surveillance feels intrusive. There should be clear guidelines on data usage and retention,” argued Aniket Joshi, a university student. Others question the system’s accuracy, fearing wrongful fines due to technical glitches or misidentification.

Shopkeepers and street vendors have mixed feelings. While some appreciate the reduction in congestion, others fear that strict enforcement could deter customers who are used to informal parking or quick stops.

Municipal and traffic police officials have defended the initiative, emphasizing its role in promoting civic sense and reducing manual intervention. “AI surveillance is about deterrence, not punishment. We want citizens to follow rules voluntarily, making Pune a model smart city,” said a spokesperson for the Pune Smart City Development Corporation.

The FC Road experiment is being closely watched by other city zones and municipalities across India. If successful, similar AI-driven systems could be rolled out to other busy areas in Pune, further transforming urban governance.