JMC deploys AI-enabled cameras, cold-mix pothole patching machine to improve civic services in Jammu
Jammu, June 12
Jammu Municipal Corporation has introduced a cold-mix technology-based pothole patching machine and installed Artificial Intelligence-enabled cameras on garbage collection vehicles to detect potholes and other civic issues across Jammu city, JMC Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav said on Thursday.
Speaking to ANI, Yadav said complaints regarding potholes on roads in Jammu had been regularly received by the civic body and, on some occasions, had also resulted in accidents. He said the new machine would help the corporation address such issues in a shorter time.
To identify roads requiring attention and determine priority areas for repairs, JMC has installed AI-powered cameras on 10 garbage collection vehicles operating across the city. The cameras automatically detect potholes while carrying out routine operations and generate information for further action by the corporation.
According to Yadav, the AI system is also capable of identifying around 22 categories of civic issues. These include roadside garbage, ongoing construction activity, fallen poles, streetlights functioning during daytime and locations where footpath repairs may be required.
The information generated through the cameras is transmitted to JMC's control and command centre, where it is registered through the system. The commissioner said the corporation receives the inputs and can subsequently deploy teams to the locations concerned.
"The aim is to automate processes, minimise human intervention and leverage technology to provide better services and amenities to the public," Yadav said, adding that the corporation's IT team would spearhead the initiative and ensure effective use of the information gathered through the AI tools.
On the pothole patching machine, Yadav said it uses cold mix technology and is intended for roads where potholes are causing inconvenience to commuters. He clarified that the machine is not suitable for roads that are completely damaged and require large-scale reconstruction.
The commissioner said filling a single pothole takes about five to ten minutes. In cases where several potholes are reported at one location, the repair work can be completed within approximately two hours.
Yadav further said JMC has deployed seven mechanical road sweepers for road dust cleaning operations during night hours. He added that drainage desilting machinery is also being upgraded after approval was received for the same.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative but will the AI actually work in our chaotic traffic? In Delhi they tried similar cameras and half the time they just capture auto-rickshaws and cows! 😅 Also, 5-10 minutes per pothole is fine but what about drainage? We have waterlogging every monsoon in Gandhi Nagar. Let's see if they actually clear those drains with the new machinery.
Finally someone using technology to solve real ground-level problems! Though I wonder - why only on 10 garbage vehicles? Jammu has at least 50-60 such trucks. Also, the cold-mix patching is good for temporary relief but for long-term, we need proper hot-mix and reconstruction. Don't want to see the same potholes reappearing after 2 months.
Appreciate the move towards automation and minimising human intervention. But 'minimising human intervention' also means less accountability if something goes wrong? 🤔 We need transparency on how this data is used. Also, hope the control centre doesn't become another room with dusty computers like in many municipal offices.
Innovative and practical! As a resident of old Jammu, I can vouch that potholes near Raghunath Mandir area have been a nightmare for years. 😟 This cold-mix machine sounds like a good quick fix. But what about patches that need complete road reconstruction? Hope they have a separate plan for those major roads.
Great step forward! The 22 categories of civic issues detection is impressive. But I hope this doesn't become another 'technology for the sake of technology'
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