Lahore introduces AI-Powered drones for traffic monitoring

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz first announced the initiative, describing a Japanese-modeled policing system that uses infrared and ultrasonic technology alongside aerial drones to track vehicle movement and identify congestion hotspots in real time.

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority began the rollout with an initial fleet of ten drones fitted with high-resolution cameras, targeting the city's busiest traffic hotspots. Live drone feeds were linked directly to traffic wardens' handsets, allowing faster response to congestion and blockages.

The Punjab government has since approved a much larger drone squad, with 159 night-vision-equipped drones being procured for deployment across the province, of which 20 will be based in Lahore. The units, operating under the Safe Cities Authority, will monitor crime hotspots, manage traffic, detect illegal encroachments, and help prevent accidents.

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Officials say 24/7 drone surveillance is already active in Lahore and other Punjab districts, enabling quicker identification of traffic violations, criminal activity, and public complaints in coordination with local police.

In Lahore, drone monitoring has already been used to detect incidents such as kite flying and illegal garbage burning near residential and transit areas, prompting swift enforcement action. Similar drone-based monitoring has also been used elsewhere in Punjab to flag vehicles with fake number plates and illegally tinted windows.

Separately, the Safe Cities Authority has launched an automated "docking drone" system that deploys aircraft within minutes of an emergency helpline call, initially covering traffic incidents, protests and public complaints from its Lahore headquarters.