Gujarat : AMTS Tests AI Dashcams to Monitor Ahmedabad Bus Drivers

AHMEDABAD : Ahmedabad’s public buses are set to come under an AI-powered watch, with the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) launching a pilot dashcam monitoring system designed to detect driver negligence, track road conditions and provide real-time alerts to the control room.

The system has initially been installed in three AMTS buses, with cameras positioned at the front of the vehicle and facing the driver. Officials said the technology will enable the control room to monitor driver behaviour and road conditions and assess the circumstances surrounding an accident.

AMTS Committee Chairman Parag Naik said the system would immediately flag risky behaviour.

“If the driver talks on the mobile phone while driving, smokes or falls asleep, an alert will be sent to the control room immediately,” Naik said.

He added that the system would also detect overspeeding and alert the control room when a bus crosses the prescribed speed limit. Officials can then contact the driver through wireless communication or a phone call and warn them against negligence.

The AI monitoring system is also expected to help determine responsibility in case of an accident. With footage from both the road-facing and driver-facing cameras, officials can assess whether an accident occurred because of the AMTS driver or another vehicle.

The technology will also serve as a real-time bus tracking and punctuality tool. Officials will be able to monitor the location of buses and determine whether they are operating according to schedule.

AMTS has frequently received complaints about buses arriving late or remaining parked for extended periods, inconveniencing passengers. Under the new system, delays caused by traffic congestion can also be communicated to the control room.

Naik said the pilot would be assessed before any wider rollout.

“If the pilot project is successful, the monitoring system will be installed in more than 900 buses,” he said.

The proposed expansion would give AMTS a centralised view of driver behaviour, accidents, overspeeding, traffic-related delays and operational issues, potentially strengthening safety, accountability and punctuality across Ahmedabad’s public transport network.