Thiruvananthapuram: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera project initiated by the Kerala government to enforce traffic regulations through automated fines is facing a severe setback. The Rs 232 crore project, launched six months ago, is now in crisis as the government has not fulfilled its financial obligations to Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KELTRON).
The project, which was initially issuing 40,000 penalty notices daily, has witnessed a significant decline, now issuing only 14,000 notices. The government is obligated to pay Rs 11.5 crore to Keltron every three months as part of the contract. However, the payment has been withheld, citing a pending case in the High Court related to the AI camera project. The government’s stance is that the contract amount can only be settled once the legal proceedings are concluded.
Keltron, which initially employed 146 personnel for camera monitoring and fine collection, has already withdrawn 44 employees due to the financial strain. The corporation is reportedly facing a monthly loss of up to one and a half crore rupees per month in AI camera operations. The outstanding dues from the government have now accumulated to around Rs 26 crore, and Keltron asserts that it cannot continue its services without receiving this payment.
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