Islamabad Police Launch Drone Highway Surveillance

In a modern step toward smarter traffic management, Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has launched drone surveillance on Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway. This marks the capital’s first use of aerial devices to enforce traffic laws, ease congestion, and enhance public safety.

• Initial focus: Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway—two of the city’s busiest roads 

• Authority behind the move: Chief Traffic Officer Captain Syed Zeeshan Haider

• Plans: Expansion to all major routes across Islamabad

• Real-time violation detection: Capture speeding, signal breaches, helmet non-compliance, and other traffic offences 

• Congestion monitoring: Identify built-up traffic areas and deploy control teams faster 

• Traffic discipline: Reduce reckless driving behaviors using aerial enforcement

• Public safety: Ensure smoother flow and fewer accidents, especially during peak hours

• Drone flights: Regular aerial patrols monitor key highways.

• Data capture: High-resolution cameras record violations and traffic flow.

• Immediate response: Identified violations lead to swift action—message issuance or fines.

• Coordination: Drone data feeds into the ITP control room for responsive dispatch.

• Scalable model: Expansion planned to cover Margalla Avenue, E-75 Expressway, and surrounding sectors.

Safe City integration:
Islamabad Safe City project already uses 10,000+ cameras, ANPR systems, and intelligent analytics 

Complementary tech:
Drones will support, not replace, ground patrols and traditional enforcement units

Lessons from motorway police:
Previous drone use on M-2, M-1 highways showed significant cost and manpower savings

• Quick violation capture: Even multi-lane roads become accountable thanks to the aerial view

• Cost savings: Lower reliance on patrol vehicles; less fuel and manpower required 

• Data-driven policing: Enables evidence-based traffic interventions

• Scalable model: Could be used for public events, emergencies, VIP movements, and safety monitoring

• Privacy safeguards: Drone footage used strictly for traffic infractions

• Technology checks: Ensuring clear image capture and vehicle identification

• Human involvement: Drones enhance visibility, but decisions remain with officers

• Public awareness: ITP to run campaigns on fines and flight zones ahead of enforcement ramp-up

• Drivers: Mixed reactions—some report more disciplined roads, others express parking concerns

• Experts: Traffic analysts highlight the need for regular calibrations and officer training

• Community blogs: Reddit users point to gridlock near checkpoints, and look to drones as a possible relief

• Phase 2 expansion: Rollout to Margalla Avenue and E-75 Expressway in the coming weeks

• Officer training: Specialized drone operators and traffic teams to be trained

• Public outreach: Awareness campaigns about drone zones and auto-enforced laws

• Regulatory framework: Drone flight authorizations, data privacy, and legal protocols to be finalized

• Impact tracking: Monthly reports on reduced violations and congestion trends

Islamabad Traffic Police’s bold move to deploy drone surveillance on highways marks a significant upgrade to urban traffic management. By capturing violations from the sky, reducing congestion, and saving resources, ITP is embracing a modern, tech-driven approach to public safety. While privacy and precise operations remain pivotal, this initiative positions Islamabad as a progressive model for intelligent traffic regulation in South Asia.