Hyderabad police and Google explore tech upgrades for smarter traffic control

Google delegation and Hyderabad Police discuss integrating Google Maps data, AI, and cloud solutions for efficient traffic management.

Discussions between the Google delegation, Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand and the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) team centred on enhancing the functioning by integrating live Google Maps traffic data, automating traffic signals based on volume counts, real-time tracking of patrol vehicles and deploying drone surveillance for better traffic monitoring.

The delegation from Google India proposed more efficient methods for storing the vast amount of data generated by CCTV footage, eliminating the current 30-day limitation through cloud-based solutions. They also highlighted the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable swift retrieval of specific footage, ensuring quicker analysis and informed decision-making.

Elaborating on the outcomes, Commissioner Anand said that with the current method of 30-day storage, traffic camera data had not been effectively utilised for analytics. “With AI, we can now retrieve keyword-specific data from the cloud within seconds. This cost-effective approach will allow us to structure data in a way that benefits both commuters and traffic management,” he explained.

He further added that the integration with Google Maps would enhance real-time traffic updates, not only highlighting congestion points with red stretch, but also suggesting alternative routes dynamically to improve navigation for commuters.

The delegation visited the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) to study the current traffic management system and explore avenues for improving its operational efficiency through the adoption of advanced Google technologies. This visit follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Google and the Telangana government to implement technology-driven solutions across key sectors.

The delegation included key executives such as Chandu Thota, VP, Google DeepMind; Rao Surapaneni, VP, Google Cloud; Shalini Puchalapalli, Country Manager, Google Customer Solutions; and Seshu Ajjarapu, Senior Director, Google DeepMind. They were accompanied by Rajesh Ranjan, Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy, and Srinivas Kodali, Government Affairs & Public Policy.

Google’s experts provided valuable insights on optimizing ICCC operations by leveraging cloud solutions for efficient data storage and deploying new applications. The delegation agreed to extend cooperation and commended the Telangana government’s commitment to prioritising public safety through technology-driven governance. This collaboration augurs well for advanced traffic management.