Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's network of artificial intelligence (AI) cameras produced an astounding traffic charan of 1.13 crores until August 30th this year, with the driver being fined for a song worth Rs 737. However, the state extensions get only a small portion of that money, and the collection is packed with Rs 222.75. The shortfall above Rs 514 reveals a massive execution gap for ambitious high-tech drives in the automotive sector.All districts showed the same pattern – fines were issued in large quantities, but the majority remained unpaid. Thiruvananthapuram alone has issued a violation notice and fine of Rs 223,000, the highest in the state, totaling the highest Rs 153.45 crore.The government has been touted as a successful AI surveillance project in defeating traffic deaths, but its financial and legal foundations look unstable. Drivers routinely avoid payments and the enforcement mechanism remains weak. Officials at MVD confirmed that many offenders are not aware of the membership fees. “Old-fashioned mobile phone number or registration details mean that the vehicle owner will remain in the dark until it needs to update documents or complete the transaction,” the official said.Linking E-Challan clearance to critical vehicle services ensured compliance from buses, taxis and other commercial fleets, but civilian car owners continue to slip. Unpaid prosecutions are rare, primarily due to increased backlogs in local courts, diluting the system's deterrent effect.Critics warn that unless compliance is increased and payment systems are innocent, AI camera programs risk degenerating into expensive document exercises.
