Uttar Pradesh is tackling traffic congestion with an AI-powered road safety pilot by ITI Limited, starting August 2025. Using big data and real-time analytics, the project aims to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety across key cities. Backed by MoRTH, it sets a benchmark for smart traffic management in India, addressing urban gridlock with innovative technology.
Uttar Pradesh Pioneers AI-Driven Traffic Management
In a groundbreaking move to address chronic traffic congestion, Uttar Pradesh has launched India’s first AI-powered road safety pilot project in August 2025, spearheaded by ITI Limited. The six-week initiative, supported by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), leverages artificial intelligence and big data analytics to revolutionize traffic management in the state’s bustling urban centers.
The project, announced on August 6, 2025, integrates advanced technologies such as machine learning, real-time traffic monitoring, and predictive analytics to optimize traffic flow and enhance road safety. According to ITI Limited’s CMD Rajesh Rai, the initiative is designed to set a “benchmark for AI-led traffic safety” in India. The system collects data from sensors, cameras, and connected devices to analyze traffic patterns, predict bottlenecks, and dynamically adjust traffic signals to reduce congestion.
Major cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Noida, which rank among India’s most congested urban areas, are the primary focus of this pilot. The TomTom Traffic Index 2024 indicates that Lucknow commuters spend an average of 31 minutes and 20 seconds to cover a 10-kilometer distance during peak hours, underscoring the urgency of such interventions. The AI system aims to reduce travel times by up to 20% by enabling real-time traffic signal adjustments and providing actionable insights to traffic authorities.
A key feature of the project is its use of automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and IoT devices to monitor traffic violations and enforce rules without manual intervention. This contactless enforcement is expected to curb violations like signal jumping and illegal parking, which contribute significantly to congestion. Additionally, the system provides real-time updates to commuters via mobile apps and digital signage, empowering them to choose less congested routes.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader push for smart cities under the Smart Cities Mission, which emphasizes intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Unlike traditional traffic management reliant on static signals and manual oversight, this AI-driven approach adapts to real-time conditions, prioritizing emergency vehicles and public transport to ensure smoother flow. For instance, ambulances can receive green corridors by syncing traffic signals based on real-time GPS data, a feature already tested successfully in cities like Bengaluru.
The pilot also addresses environmental concerns, as traffic congestion contributes to 28% of PM 2.5 emissions in urban India, according to a 2016 TERI report. By reducing idle times and optimizing vehicle movement, the system is projected to cut fuel wastage and emissions, supporting Uttar Pradesh’s sustainability goals. The state’s investment in this technology reflects a growing global trend, with the intelligent traffic management market expected to grow from USD 12.91 billion in 2024 to USD 47.10 billion by 2034, as per industry estimates.
Collaboration with private players and map-based service providers like Ola and Zomato enhances the system’s data pool, incorporating anonymized movement data from tech parks and delivery services. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive traffic monitoring, especially in high-density corridors. However, challenges remain, including the need for robust cybersecurity to protect data and ensure uninterrupted connectivity, as even minor disruptions can affect the system’s efficacy.
The Uttar Pradesh traffic police are also exploring congestion pricing models, inspired by global examples like Singapore and Stockholm, where dynamic tolls reduced traffic by 20-30%. While not part of the current pilot, such measures could be integrated in the future to further alleviate gridlock. For now, the state is focused on scaling the project post-pilot, with plans to deploy AI signals at 500 junctions across key cities by mid-2026.
Public response has been cautiously optimistic, with commuters expressing hope that the technology will ease daily travel woes. However, concerns about implementation costs and data privacy have sparked discussions, with experts urging transparent stakeholder engagement to build trust. The success of this pilot could pave the way for nationwide adoption, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in smart traffic innovation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements from ITI Limited, and data from the TomTom Traffic Index 2024. Information is sourced from credible platforms, including posts on X and web reports from IndiaAI, Business Standard, and Moneycontrol. Tips for commuters are based on general traffic management insights and may vary by location.