Govt dashcams to log traffic offences

Panaji: The state cabinet on Wednesday granted approval for the Goa Vehicle Authentication (GoVA) System to install dashboard surveillance cameras (dashcams) on govt vehicles for recording visible traffic violations and to start automated border document verification on a public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

The GoVA System is aimed at streamlining vehicular regulation, strengthening road safety measures, and enhancing compliance with motor vehicle and traffic laws. The system envisions a digital-first approach to document verification, resulting in greater ease of travel, particularly for tourists, and promoting the lawful use of road infrastructure.

The current practice of verifying vehicle documents at state border checkposts relies predominantly on manual, random checks, which are limited in coverage and effectiveness. Numerous vehicles continue to operate without valid statutory documentation, including registration certificates, Pollution under Control (PUC) certificates, and third-party insurance, in contravention of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This systemic gap poses significant safety concerns.

The GoVA System is intended to serve as a preventive and regulatory mechanism that emphasises citizen safety and compliance, while also facilitating process efficiency and, as a secondary outcome, improving the collection of statutory revenues.

To address this critical need, the home department mandated Info Tech Corporation of Goa Limited (ITG) — a govt undertaking — to initiate a technology-driven solution for real-time vehicle monitoring and verification.

State govt selected Mistotex Technology Pvt Ltd as the system integrator for five years. A revenue-sharing model was proposed as follows: Goa govt - 55%, ITG - 5.5%, and system integrator - 39.5%.

Under Phase I, the automated border document verification system will be put in place, and online and automated validation of vehicle documentation (including registration certificates, PUC certificates, and insurance) will occur at all designated border check-posts. Integration with the central govt’s Vahan and challan databases will ensure real-time verification and centralised compliance tracking. Secure, tamper-proof QR codes will be generated to be displayed on vehicles that have cleared checks, thereby exempting them from repeat inspections.

Under Phase II, a statewide vehicle monitoring and road safety system will be implemented, and dashboard surveillance cameras will be installed on official govt vehicles for recording visible traffic violations. Real-time violation capture, alert generation, and automated challan issuance will occur through backend integration. The enforcement ecosystem will be linked with modules for weighbridge monitoring, road cess collection, and route analytics. Mobile apps will be developed for enforcement officers and police to facilitate easy API integration with third-party applications such as e-Vahan, Sarthi, Digilocker, e-challan system, and any other related to the project.

ITG, with the system integrator, will coordinate with Goa police for necessary technical compliance.