Hyderabad launches AI-powered e-tracking with steep penalties for traffic violations

Authorities in Hyderabad have launched a faceless e-tracking system on the recently expanded Autobahn road, introducing heavier fines for a range of traffic violations.

The initiative, announced by DIG Hyderabad Tariq Razzak Dharejo at a press conference on Thursday, is part of a broader plan to shift the city towards automated, AI-assisted traffic enforcement.

DIG Dharejo, accompanied by Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbassi and other senior officials, said the e-ticketing mechanism would be extended to all major roads of the city by April 2026. He added that similar systems would be rolled out in several other districts within the Hyderabad Police Range over the next 10 days.

According to officials, traffic monitoring systems in Hyderabad and surrounding districts have been integrated with a central AI hub in Karachi. The unified platform will automatically detect violations, generate tickets and issue fines without human involvement. Dharejo said the approach aims to curb widespread traffic offences in the city, noting that more than 60 cameras have already been installed along the Autobahn and the Hyderabad–Mirpurkhas road on the outskirts.

The DIG also confirmed that necessary approvals have been granted to begin the Safe City project in Hyderabad, with work expected to start shortly. A police committee has been formed to help motorists report erroneous fines or system glitches and to address complaints related to e-ticketing.

Under the new enforcement model, 18 traffic violations will be penalised initially. The lowest fine, set at Rs2,000, will be imposed for improper motorbike parking. The highest penalty—Rs100,000—will apply to heavy transport vehicles found violating one-way restrictions, using pressure horns unnecessarily or operating without registration.

For motorcycle riders, the steepest fine will be Rs25,000 for one-way violations. Meanwhile, car and jeep drivers will face penalties of up to Rs50,000 if their vehicles are found to be unregistered. Officials say the system is designed to enhance road discipline, improve safety and standardise traffic enforcement across the region.