Thu Jul 17 13:05:16 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Kurnool police department is using drones to monitor and regulate traffic in the city. This initiative, started as a pilot project, has already resulted in 30 traffic violations being booked within 24 hours. The drones are being used to identify violations like triple-riding, mobile phone driving, and wrong-route driving. Police officials hope that the drones will help manage traffic congestion and alleviate the pressure on their limited manpower, especially considering Kurnool’s status as a district headquarters with a major national highway passing through it.

**News Article:**

**Kurnool Police Take to the Skies to Fight Traffic Violations**

**KURNOOL, July 17, 2025** – The Kurnool police department is employing drones to monitor and manage traffic in the city, marking a significant step towards modernizing traffic management. Following successful use in monitoring anti-social elements, the drones are now being utilized to identify and penalize traffic violators.

Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil is overseeing the pilot project. According to Traffic Circle Inspector Mansuruddin, the dedicated traffic drone covered a two-kilometer stretch from Raj Vihar circle to C-Camp on Tuesday, yielding clear visuals. Within the first 24 hours, the drone footage led to the booking of 30 cases for violations including triple-riding, mobile phone use while driving, and driving on the wrong route.

“We can easily know when there is traffic congestion in any area and immediately send our mobile teams to clear it,” said Inspector Mansuruddin.

The police plan to expand drone surveillance to major thoroughfares and key junctions. Kurnool faces persistent traffic challenges due to its location on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru national highway and issues like inadequate parking, pavement encroachment, and roadside vendors.

The city’s traffic wing, staffed by 60 officers working in shifts, is understaffed to handle the high volume of traffic. Officials are optimistic that the drone technology will ease the burden on officers and address the manpower shortage. The initiative represents a potential model for other cities struggling with traffic management challenges.

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