AI-based system to ease snarls on 12 key routes during peak hours

Lucknow: In a major step to ease traffic snarls, Lucknow Police on Wednesday deployed dedicated route marshals on the 12 most congested stretches to ensure smoother vehicular movement during peak hours.

The initiative targets high-density 12 corridors, where travel time often shoots up to nearly five times during rush hours. Officials said these stretches were identified based on data indicating severe congestion despite relatively short distances.

Under the plan, each route will be assigned a dedicated marshal on the principle of ‘One Route, One Marshal’. These personnel, drawn from the traffic department, will manage traffic on their designated stretch. Their responsibilities include on-ground regulation, immediate response to jams, and coordination with multiple agencies to address bottlenecks.

“If there is any engineering flaw, the route marshal will escalate it to DCP traffic. In cases of encroachment or parking issues involving schools, colleges or offices, the local SHO will intervene to resolve it,” a senior police officer said.

The project, launched at DGP Rajeev Krishna’s initiative, is part of a larger strategy to modernise urban traffic management and improve commuter experience. Authorities are integrating real-time monitoring using Google’s live traffic tracking system, allowing quick identification and response to congestion points.

ADG traffic Satish Ganesh said a specialised US-based app has been developed to support the initiative. “The app will record daily data and calculate minimum, maximum and average travel time on the 12 stretches. Supervisory officers can monitor this in real time,” he said.

The system uses advanced AI-based analytics to generate graphical and tabular outputs, map congestion points live, and provide historical comparisons over weeks and months. Officers can access the system through smartphones without requiring technical expertise.

The initiative is guided by a “5E strategy” — Education and Awareness, Enforcement, Engineering and Technological Intervention, Encroachment Removal, and Regulation of e-rickshaw operations — to ensure holistic traffic management.

Officials have set an initial target of reducing maximum travel time by 20% during peak hours. Monthly performance reviews will be conducted at the police headquarters, where the DGP will assess outcomes and direct further improvements.

The programme is being rolled out simultaneously in 20 UP districts, covering 172 identified routes, marking a significant step towards data-driven and accountable traffic policing.