During the recently concluded winter session of Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, brought to light a surprising finding. It was discovered that 540 km of roads in the state were only documented on paper. This revelation came about through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for mapping. The Punjab Mandi Board, which is responsible for these roads, employed AI and Geographical Interface System (GIS) to identify 540 km of village-link roads that either had never been constructed or did not need the anticipated repairs.
The Mandi Board effectively utilized software obtained from a private company, resulting in a significant saving of Rs 163 crore specifically allocated for road repair and re-carpeting. At the same time, the local bodies department of the state, including prominent cities such as Ludhiana, embraced this technological solution for mapping municipal roads.
An interesting example came to light when a tender for significant roads in Amritsar and Ludhiana revealed a discrepancy of 140 km. Initially estimated at Rs 550 crore, the utilization of AI in mapping unveiled non-existent sections, resulting in a substantial savings of Rs 100 crore. The department intends to employ AI once more for an upcoming tender concerning the re-carpeting of 600 km of roads.
The AI technology helped uncover a deception where the width of carpeted roads was exaggerated. For example, a road in the city that was claimed to be 12 feet wide turned out to have only 10 feet of actual carpeted area. The utilization of AI proved vital in exposing these misleading claims.
In addition to roads, the state authorities are making preparations to utilize AI in waste management. Through the implementation of AI-powered software, their objective is to oversee the prompt collection of rubbish from different locations, promoting responsibility and effective waste disposal.
(Representative photo)
Moreover, the utilization of AI is increasingly significant in addressing the rise of illegal colonies. This technology will be utilized to monitor and impede the unauthorized construction of buildings and settlements, providing valuable information to effectively mitigate such actions.
In conclusion, Punjab's innovative use of AI in road mapping, waste management, and urban planning highlights the transformative impact of technology in governance. This strategic approach not only identifies discrepancies but also makes significant contributions to cost savings and enhanced civic services.
Citing the benefits of the Artificial Intelligence, CM #BhagwantSinghMann said that due to its usage the State Government has saved ₹163.26 crore merely in estimates of road maintenance adding that 540 kilometres of roads that do not exist have also been detected. #Punjab pic.twitter.com/jPpU2QjKc4— CMO Punjab (@CMOPb) November 29, 2023
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