Non-functional system deemed a safety hazard after Bengaluru vendor fails to act
Panaji: The Public Works Department (PWD) has directed the removal of the non-functional AI-driven Security, Integrated Traffic Management, and eChallan system at Merces junction by July 4, following a District Road Safety Committee North finding that the system posed a hazard to motorists and pedestrians due to its prolonged malfunction.
The dismantling order was issued by PWD Superintending Engineer Pradeep L Gaude of Circle Office III on July 1, acting on the District Magistrate’s instructions and based on discussions at the committee’s May 30 meeting.
The directive was reiterated during the committee meeting held on Monday, chaired by Additional Collector-I Gurudas Desai.
“Since the traffic signals serve no functional purpose, you are instructed to dismantle the traffic signals installed at Merces junction and provide a compliance report to this office immediately,” the PWD’s order to the executive engineer stated.
The AI-based traffic signal system, installed in March 2023 at a cost of Rs 40 lakh under a public-private partnership, was intended to streamline vehicular movement at the busy Merces junction near the Panaji bus stand. The revenue was to be shared between the government and company.
The system included 16 cameras at the points connecting Ponda, Bambolim, Merces, and Panaji. However, it became non-functional within days, with components like the traffic camera left hanging loose and no active monitoring in place.
The faulty installation contributed to traffic confusion, frequent violations, and near-miss incidents. Despite several communications from the PWD, the Bengaluru-based vendor Beltech AI failed to carry out any repairs or restoration work.
An earlier order dated March 26 by then-Additional District Magistrate Mahadev Araundekar, had also instructed immediate removal of the system, citing that it had been non-operational for over three months and was misleading motorists due to incorrect placement.
PWD officials said the dismantling will be completed by the July 4 deadline, with traffic movement maintained during the operation.
The Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Altinho, and the Director of Transport have been informed to implement alternative traffic control measures as needed.
