A new locally built smart system is set to change how traffic is tracked in Bhutan. Under the Safe City Project, the Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) and the police have collaborated to develop the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. This is an Artificial Intelligence or AI-based system, which has the ability to detect vehicle number plates in real time.
The system has been developed fully by a local team under DHI for the police.
The system uses specialised cameras and software to detect and process number plates in real-time when vehicles pass through camera checkpoints.
The primary goal is to enhance public safety.
Pema Rinchen Wangchug, Associate Director of InnoTech Department in DHI said “Although there are lot of infrastructure that RBP has responsibly invested in, sometimes finding the right licence plates is little difficult. The second important thing is that we are able to do this at a much more cost-effective waythan external solutions.”
Tashi Phuntsho, ANPR System Developer of InnoTech Department in DHI said “The system registers the vehicles and most importantly, it can monitor the vehicles that are involved in criminal activities.”
The system can also send instant alertswhen “blacklisted” vehicles pass through checkpoints. For instance, if a car is lost, police will blacklist it and when it cross checkpoints, the system will automatically alert the police.
Pema Rinchen Wangchug, the Associate Director said “The more of our cameras are placed around the area, it will be easier for them to pinpoint the location of that vehicle. A rather really cool thing about this is that this technology, the computer vision, can also start going into individual recognition.”
Likewise, ANPR System Developer Tashi Phuntsho said “We have plans to collaborate with BCTA to integrate our system with theirs. Additionally, we have plans to incorporate speed detection feature in the system.”
The system is also equipped with infrared illumination for better night-time recognition.
According to the police, it will also help in analysing traffic flow patterns. This is expected to enhance urban planning and safety initiatives.
As part of the project’s initial phase, the AI-enabled cameras will be installed in Gelephu, Sarpang, and Thimphu.
This system marks a major leap in smart policing, paving the way for safer, more efficient traffic management.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Kipchu
