Alappuzha: The infamous MVD AI cameras that were installed after spending crores to detect road violations may stop functioning soon. The state government is yet to pay the dues of the company, Keltron, that took up the contract of installing the cameras. Keltron has not mailed any notices via post for about a month despite traffic violations due to lack of funds. 

Control rooms that coordinate the camera operations and monitor violations are also being shut. This is due to the non-payment of electricity bills coming up to lakhs of rupees. Although KSEB has issued the bills, the company has not been able to pay the dues.

As per the contract, the company has to pay the electricity dues. However, the company is unable to do so as the government is not paying the dues it owes to the company. Due to lack of money, there is a possibility that KSEB may remove the fuse of the control rooms. With that, Kerala’s AI cameras will stop working completely.

If the camera detects a violation, the driver receives an immediate notification on the phone. However, this is only possible if the phone number is linked with the vehicle’s RC. Others become aware of the fine only after they receive a notice via mail. However, notices are being sent only in a few districts.

Keltron’s position is that if the installation dues are not paid, they cannot go ahead with the control rooms. The company is taking a tough stance as it has not even received the first installation of the payment, Rs 11.79 crore.

Keltron is running the project by spending Rs 1 crore per month from its own pocket. It requires funds to pay staff salaries, control room operations, etc. It must be noted that this crisis has emerged merely six months after the installation of the cameras. Meanwhile, it is reported that the government has received Rs 33 crore as penalty for traffic violations from the public.