Dimapur police launch smart traffic surveillance system

In a significant move towards modernising urban traffic management, the Dimapur police have installed CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at major junctions in the city, along with a centralised command centre.
Addressing the media, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur, Aotula T. Imchen, formally announced the launch of the project on Thursday.
She described the initiative as “a small but significant step” towards addressing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution in Dimapur.
The project, implemented under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with funding from the Central Ministry, includes the installation of around 9 CCTV cameras and 4 ANPR cameras at four of the city’s busiest and most congested junctions — Dhobinallah Junction, Tragopan Junction, Purana Bazaar Junction, and Nagarjan Junction.
“The primary objective is to decongest these high-traffic areas. Reduced congestion will also directly help in lowering air pollution levels, as idling vehicles are a major source of emissions,” CP Imchen stated.
She further explained that the newly established centralised command centre would enable real-time monitoring and coordinated traffic management. The surveillance system is also expected to strengthen policing by aiding in crime investigation and acting as a deterrent against traffic violations.
CP expressed gratitude to the state government, the central ministry, the district administration, technical teams, and the traffic police for their support and efforts in executing the project.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, lauded the initiative and credited the police team for successfully setting up the command centre. DC acknowledged that while the current funding under NCAP was limited, the project has been effectively implemented and would be expanded in the future using road safety funds.
“At present, the system covers a few locations, but we plan to extend it to more congestion-prone areas,” Dr. Chang said.
He urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities and help safeguard the newly installed infrastructure.
DCP Traffic, I. Meren Chenth, informed that high-resolution colour night vision CCTV cameras and ANPR systems have been installed alongside traffic signals at the four key intersections.
He highlighted that the technology would allow traffic personnel to monitor multiple locations simultaneously and respond swiftly, leading to smoother traffic flow and reduced vehicular emissions.
He noted that the initiative marked an important step towards adopting smart traffic solutions in Dimapur, with the long-term goals of enhancing road safety, improving air quality, and building a more efficient urban traffic management system. The cameras are also expected to play a crucial role in detecting and investigating cases such as hit-and-run incidents.
The control room has been set up in the new building, which would house traffic control Dimapur East police station.