Kochi – The Devaswom Board is all set to launch an artificial intelligence (AI) based system to manage pilgrim traffic at Sabarimala during this year’s Mandala-Makaravilaka. Devaswom Board Chairman K. Jayakumar said that security and control systems are going to come in the form of predicting things in advance using accurate data and technology instead of traditional methods. Three companies that specialize in using AI technology for traffic management made their presentation before the Devaswom board and police officials at a meeting held in Kochi today. It was decided at the meeting to expedite the process as only 150 days are left for the Sabarimala constituency, which begins in mid-November. After a further discussion with the police and the exact requirements are finalized, ‘Request for Proposal’ and ‘Expression of Interest’ will be invited immediately. Then, after evaluating the financial and technical capabilities of the companies, an expert committee will assign the job to the company which will be selected on August 10. The Devaswom Board and the police plan to make it operational, including cameras and technology, within 90 to 100 days. A virtual queue system will also be added with this.

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K Jayakumar said that its main objective is to save the pilgrims from the hassle of standing in queues for hours. There will be 24-hour AI cameras and drone surveillance at key locations like water tanks and drinking water sources to ensure security. He said that if there is a pipe burst, minor accident or health related problem on any route, then this system will immediately change it, which will be detected after hours and through this system, it will be possible to immediately fix it and provide ambulance and other help.

ADGP Manoj Abraham said that the security arrangements in Sabarimala are being completely shifted to digital mapping. He clarified that Sabarimala will be completely covered by GPS map by integrating high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors and drones. AI can use ‘heat maps’ to predict when congestion is likely to occur. The AI ​​system will automatically dictate what action to take to control traffic and instructions will be given in real time to the 2,000 police officers on duty via SMS or WhatsApp. This will help the work to run smoothly even if there is a change of staff. This fully automated system will also provide guidance on how to deal with heavy rain or lightning. This will significantly reduce the number of policemen on security duty. An AI system is being prepared to provide accurate information like Google Maps to the pilgrims reaching Pampa or Nilak. The road map has been prepared with the collaboration of experts from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Manoj Abraham said Pathanamthitta SP will submit the details soon and plans to implement the first phase as a pilot project this year itself. Pathanamthitta SP R. Anand said that apart from controlling the crowd, it would also solve the problem of children and elderly people getting lost in groups at Sabarimala. Moreover, by linking these cameras with the database of criminals or anti-social elements, the police will be able to immediately identify such persons when they reach the temple premises, the SP informed.

English summary:

Sabarimala is all set to launch an artificial intelligence (AI) based system to control pilgrim traffic at Sabarimala during this year’s Mandala-Makaravilaka season itself. Devaswom Board Chairman K. Jayakumar said that security and control systems are going to come in the form of predicting things in advance using accurate data and technology instead of traditional methods.