Dhaka Metropolitan Police is preparing to deploy drones to monitor traffic congestion across the capital, building on its use of artificial intelligence-powered cameras to improve traffic management, according to a report by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

The drones will initially be tested at congestion-prone locations, allowing traffic police to obtain real-time information and respond more quickly to gridlock, DMP Additional Police Commissioner for Traffic Md Anisur Rahman told BSS.

The technology could later be equipped with automated number plate recognition, or ANPR, systems to identify vehicles violating traffic rules. Video footage captured by the drones could also be used as evidence when filing traffic cases.

BSS reports quoting Anisur Rahman that congestion frequently develops on Dhaka's flyovers and around locations including the elevated expressway, Bahadur Shah Park and the Gulistan flyover. Traffic authorities can sometimes take time to identify the cause of a blockage, while drones could provide an aerial view of the problem and help officers intervene more quickly.

The planned drones will also be capable of broadcasting voice warnings to motorists. If a vehicle is blocking traffic or breaking rules, operators could use the drone to issue an alert instructing the driver to clear the road.

DMP is still at an early stage of testing the technology. Rahman said the police had received one drone from an organisation and hoped to begin field-level work soon. The system will depend on internet and server infrastructure to provide real-time information.

The police are also training personnel to operate the equipment. A team from DMP's Tejgaon traffic division has completed training, while officials from the Uttara division are expected to begin training next week.

The technology could eventually support automated traffic enforcement, although DMP was not yet ready to file cases automatically, reports BSS.