Preparations for Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain are gaining momentum, with authorities planning a technology-driven management system aimed at improving crowd control, traffic regulation and visitor convenience. Officials have announced plans to create a unified digital platform that will provide real-time information related to the Simhastha fair, including transport routes, parking facilities, traffic conditions and access points. The proposed system will cover an area of nearly 250 kilometers around Ujjain, enabling pilgrims and visitors to receive accurate updates before and during their journey. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to use advanced geospatial technology, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to manage one of the world's largest religious gatherings. Authorities believe the platform will significantly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall experience for millions of devotees expected to attend Simhastha 2028.

The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting held at the Collector's Auditorium in the Emperor Vikramaditya Administrative Complex. Divisional Commissioner and Simhastha Mela Officer Ashish Singh reviewed the progress of preparations with officials and technical experts.

Representatives from the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) participated in discussions focused on integrating the PM Gati Shakti Platform with advanced geospatial technologies.

Single Platform for Complete Information

Officials said the proposed platform will bring together multiple data sources through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), allowing visitors to access essential information from a single digital interface.

The system is expected to provide real-time updates on train schedules, bus routes, local transport availability, traffic congestion and alternate travel routes. Authorities also plan to include details about parking zones, bathing ghats, entry points, emergency services and communication facilities.

The objective is to ensure seamless movement of pilgrims while reducing congestion across the fair region.

AI and Geo-Mapping Focus

As part of the preparations, a technical presentation was delivered by the Google Cloud team through video conferencing. The presentation focused on the use of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and geo-mapping technologies for large-scale event management.

Officials discussed how AI-powered systems could help monitor crowd density, predict traffic patterns and improve emergency response mechanisms during peak pilgrimage days.

The adoption of modern digital tools is expected to strengthen decision-making and enable faster coordination between administrative departments.

Planning for Large-Scale Crowd Management

Simhastha is one of India's largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of devotees from across the country and abroad. Managing transportation, security and public services for such a large population remains a major administrative challenge.

Authorities believe geospatial technology can play a crucial role in monitoring movement patterns and ensuring efficient utilization of infrastructure. Real-time information sharing is expected to reduce delays and help visitors plan their travel more effectively.

Coordination Between Agencies

During the review meeting, Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh directed concerned departments to work closely with technical institutions and prepare a comprehensive implementation roadmap.

Officials emphasized that all infrastructure and technology initiatives should be integrated well in advance of the event to ensure smooth operations during the fair.

The administration is also reviewing ongoing development projects linked to Simhastha 2028, including transport networks, public amenities and crowd-management systems.

Rewa gets new police chief

The district has a new police chief. IPS officer Gurukaran Singh officially took over as the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Rewa on Wednesday. Soon after assuming charge, he met with his predecessor, Shailendra Singh Chauhan, for a customary briefing on the district's law and order situation and key policing issues.

A returning officer

Gurukaran Singh, a 2014-batch IPS officer originally from Punjab, is no stranger to the region. "I am returning to Rewa after 11 years," he told reporters. Earlier, he served here as a trainee IPS officer and a station house officer (SHO). That experience, he noted, gives him a crucial ground-level perspective of the district’s unique challenges.

Focus on crime control

Speaking after taking charge, Singh was clear about his immediate priorities. Maintaining better law and order and ensuring effective control over crime will be his primary focus. He did not offer specific operational details but stated that a thorough review of the current situation would be conducted in the coming days.

The outgoing SP's warning

Meanwhile, outgoing SP Shailendra Singh Chauhan, who has been promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and posted to Bhopal, used his farewell interaction with the media to highlight a persistent problem. Despite Rewa being a divisional headquarters, he said, a shortage of police personnel remains a major hurdle.

“The strength we have is simply not enough for a city of this size and importance,” Chauhan said. He suggested that new recruits from upcoming batches should be posted to Rewa on priority to strengthen the overall system.

Traffic troubles remain

Chauhan also admitted that the city's traffic management continues to be a perennial challenge. According to him, fixing it requires more than just enforcement. “We need better engineering, a clear road map, serious planning, and improved infrastructure,” he explained, passing on the recommendation to his successor.

The former SP credited his team for the positive results in crime control during his tenure. He thanked Rewa’s residents, stating that his experience here would serve as a guide for his future responsibilities in Bhopal. For the new SP, the road ahead involves balancing routine policing with these systemic gaps.

India’s First Free Flow Toll System Goes Live on NH-48 Near Surat

India’s first multi-lane free flow toll system begins operations on NH-48, enabling barrier-free toll collection and faster vehicle movement without stopping.

Barrier-free tolling begins

In a first for the country, India’s multi-lane free flow toll system has gone live on a key stretch of National Highway-48 near Surat, marking a shift away from conventional toll plazas with physical barriers. The system has been activated at the Choryasi toll point on the busy Kamrej–Choryasi section, connecting Surat and Bharuch.

The rollout follows a trial phase that began on February 2, with officials indicating that the system is now fully operational after weeks of calibration and testing.

Tech-led highway upgrade

The new system is built on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology and has been deployed by the National Highways Authority of India as part of a broader push to modernise toll collection.

The initiative falls under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ larger plan to digitise highway infrastructure. According to officials, more than 1,000 toll plazas across India are expected to transition to similar AI-enabled, barrier-less systems over the next two years.

How vehicles are charged

Unlike traditional toll booths, there are no gates or stoppages. Vehicles continue moving at normal speeds while toll charges are automatically deducted.

The system relies on a mix of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag-based RFID technology. High-resolution cameras mounted on overhead gantries capture number plates, while sensors read FASTag data linked to bank accounts.

Once verified, the toll amount is deducted instantly. For vehicles without an active FASTag, the system identifies the number plate and generates an electronic notice to the registered owner.

‘No need to stop’

Officials say the key idea is simple: remove stoppages entirely. According to the NHAI, vehicles can pass through toll points at speeds of up to 80 km/h without slowing down.

“This barrier-less tolling does not require vehicles to stop. There are no barriers, and toll is deducted automatically as vehicles pass under the gantry,” a senior official familiar with the rollout said.

The move is expected to significantly reduce waiting time, particularly on high-traffic corridors like NH-48, where queues at toll plazas have long been a concern.

Impact on traffic flow

Early observations suggest smoother traffic movement along the stretch, especially during peak hours. Local commuters and transport operators have reported shorter travel times, though authorities say a detailed assessment will follow after a few weeks of full-scale operation.

Reduced idling at toll plazas is also expected to cut fuel consumption. Government estimates suggest that nationwide adoption of such systems could lead to savings of around ₹1,500 crore annually.

Tracking violations digitally

While barriers are gone, enforcement remains strict. Vehicles with insufficient FASTag balance or no FASTag are flagged automatically.

The Indian Highways Management Company Limited issues e-notices to defaulters, giving them a 72-hour window to clear dues. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including restrictions on vehicle-related services such as registration renewal or ownership transfer.

Officials say the digital tracking mechanism is designed to ensure compliance without disrupting traffic flow.

Nationwide rollout planned

The Surat installation is being seen as a pilot for a wider national rollout. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has earlier indicated that India aims to transition to a fully barrier-free tolling system by the end of 2026.

Authorities believe that apart from easing congestion, the system could improve revenue collection by minimising leakages and increasing compliance. Estimates suggest an additional ₹6,000 crore could be generated annually once the system is scaled up.

For now, all eyes are on the NH-48 stretch near Surat as the country’s first real-world test of barrier-less tolling begins to unfold.

Rewa SP Takes to Streets to Fix Traffic Chaos at Jaystambh Chowk

Rewa SP Shailendra Singh Chauhan personally monitored traffic at Jaystambh Chowk, directing strict action against rule violators to improve city road safety.

The deteriorating traffic situation in Rewa city saw a high-profile intervention on Tuesday morning as Superintendent of Police (SP) Shailendra Singh Chauhan personally took to the streets. In an unexpected move, the SP reached the perennially congested Jaystambh Chowk to lead a special enforcement drive, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward mounting chaos on city roads.

SP leads from the front

The morning rush hour at Jaystambh Chowk, one of Rewa’s busiest intersections, was met with a heavy police presence led by SP Chauhan himself. Instead of a routine inspection, the top cop was seen actively managing vehicle flow and observing the bottlenecks that frequently paralyze the city’s central artery. His presence on the ground sent a clear message to the rank and file of the traffic department regarding the urgency of road management.

Crackdown on traffic violations

During the drive, the SP issued on-the-spot instructions to traffic personnel to penalize commuters flouting basic safety norms. Special focus was placed on those driving on the wrong side of the road, a major cause of accidents in the area. Officers were told to strictly book individuals riding without helmets or driving without seatbelts. The SP emphasized that the primary goal is not just fining citizens, but ensuring that the "No-Entry" zones and lane disciplines are respected to prevent gridlocks.

Direct warnings to commuters

While several challans were issued, the SP also took time to interact with commuters, offering "samajish" or counseling on the importance of road safety. He warned that habitual offenders would face harsher legal consequences. The sudden appearance of the SP caused a stir among local shopkeepers and motorists, leading to a temporary sense of panic, which eventually settled as the traffic flow became noticeably smoother under his direct supervision.

Priority on smooth movement

Addressing the media and personnel at the spot, SP Chauhan noted that maintaining a jam-free city is a top priority for the district police. He pointed out that haphazard parking and the tendency of commercial vehicles to ignore time restrictions contribute significantly to the mess. He has reportedly asked the traffic wing to identify specific "bottleneck points" across Rewa that require permanent deployment or structural changes.

Public cooperation is essential

The SP underscored that police enforcement alone cannot solve the city's traffic woes. "For a better traffic system, the cooperation of the general public is essential," Chauhan stated. He urged citizens to self-regulate and follow signals even when a cop isn't watching. He also hinted that this wasn't a one-off event and that similar surprise inspections would be carried out at other major intersections in the coming days.

Future enforcement plans

The Rewa police department is now expected to intensify its drive against modified silencers and over-speeding within city limits. Following the SP’s field visit, the local traffic police have been put on high alert. Special teams are likely to be deployed during evening peak hours to ensure that the progress made during the morning drive is maintained throughout the day.