City set for AI-driven civic vigil with ‘Nagar Netra’ project

Patna: In a push to make the state capital smarter and cleaner, Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL) is set to launch a hi-tech Civic Services Surveillance and Monitoring Project. The initiative aims to replace manual surveys with AI-based monitoring of civic issues across the city.

As part of the project, 19 electric two-wheelers equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) cameras will be deployed across all 75 wards under the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC). Named ‘Nagar Netra’, these vehicles will scan roads to detect garbage, open manholes, faulty street lights and illegal encroachments, and send real-time alerts to a central control room. The vehicles will carry PSCL and PMC branding, with charging hubs planned at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) and other designated locations.

The project is currently in the tender stage, with bids issued on April 22 and scheduled to be opened on May 18, PSCL officials said.

PSCL spokesperson Priya Saurav said the project is estimated to cost around Rs8.95 crore and aims to enhance civic services using advanced technology. A 27-member team, including a project director, two city coordinators and 19 drivers, will be deployed. The selected agency will be responsible for operations and maintenance for a period of 36 months.

Each two-wheeler will cover approximately four wards, scanning all roads twice a week based on a fixed roster. The scooters will be fitted with high-resolution 4K dashcams featuring a 110-degree wide-angle view, along with 5G SIM and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless data transmission. GPS-enabled cameras will provide precise location data for each identified issue.

A Central Civic Services Operations Centrr (C-SOC) will be set up at the ICCC to analyse input data. An AI-powered system will identify garbage piles, potholes, illegal hoardings and stray animals. If garbage heaps exceeding one metre or potholes deeper than 10 inches are detected, the system will automatically capture images and generate reports. It will also estimate potential penalties for illegal advertisements, while PMC officials will receive real-time updates through a centralised dashboard.

A dedicated Android application will be developed for field staff, contractors and officials. Issues detected by the AI system will automatically generate service tickets, which will be assigned to the concerned personnel. Contractors will be required to resolve the problems and upload photographic proof through the app, ensuring faster response and better accountability. All applications will be certified by CERT-In to ensure data security.

If successful, the project will be expanded in a second phase by integrating it with traffic police vehicles and PMC garbage trucks. Future upgrades may include monitoring of damaged road infrastructure such as broken dividers, faded markings and paver blocks, and may also extend to heritage sites. The model is designed to be scalable and replicable in other smart cities across Bihar.