T’puram: A year-long delay in releasing quarterly payments to Keltron has raised concerns over the sustainability of Thiruvananthapuram’s AI-powered traffic surveillance network, with officials warning that prolonged non-payment could affect services supporting the system.The capital district has around 89 AI traffic cameras, accounting for nearly 12% of Kerala’s 726-camera Safe Kerala network. The cameras are integrated with police control rooms and are used for real-time traffic monitoring and automated detection of traffic violations, forming a key component of the state’s technology-driven road safety initiative.According to senior Keltron officials, the last quarterly payment under the project was received in Feb 2025. The agreement between the state govt and Keltron provides quarterly payments towards the operation and maintenance of the AI camera network. However, no payments have been released since then, leaving four quarterly instalments pending.Officials said the AI camera network continues to function at present. However, they cautioned that if the funding issue remains unresolved for a prolonged period, it could affect connectivity, maintenance, and other support services essential for the uninterrupted functioning of the surveillance and enforcement system.“We have somehow managed to keep the system operational despite the funding delay. However, it cannot be sustained indefinitely. The issue is not limited to the AI cameras alone. The maintenance of police control rooms, internet connectivity, backend infrastructure and the personnel associated with the project are all supported through these funds,” a senior Keltron official told TOI.Officials estimate that the dues attributable to the operation of the Thiruvananthapuram network are around 5.7 crore, though the exact figure is being reconciled.Sources said the Purchase Monitoring Committee (PMC) had cleared bills relating to three of the four pending instalments, following which the transport department forwarded them to Kerala Road Safety Authority (KRSA) for payment. However, the authority informed the department that it was yet to receive the required allocation from the state govt, delaying the release of funds to Keltron.A senior official with KRSA confirmed that the payments were pending due to a delay in receiving funds from the state govt.“We have already informed govt about the pending payments. The matter is under its consideration and we expect the required funds to be released soon,” the official said.
