Pune Rural Police Launch Laser Speed Cameras on Mumbai-Pune Highway to Curb Overspeeding
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Pune Rural Police have deployed advanced TruCam II laser speed cameras on the Mumbai-Pune Highway to tackle the rising number of road accident fatalities, marking a significant technological leap in traffic enforcement across the region.
Published: March 9, 2026 | Updated: March 9, 2026, 03:30 PM IST
The Pune Rural Police have launched a six-month pilot project deploying laser speed cameras along the old Mumbai-Pune Highway and other key routes, aiming to curb overspeeding and reduce road accident deaths. This initiative, implemented with support from the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), represents the first time such technology is being used in the Pune Rural jurisdiction .
The project commenced on Saturday in the jurisdictions of Lonavala and Vadgaon-Maval police stations, areas identified as high-risk zones for speeding-related accidents .
Advanced TruCam II Technology Deployed
As part of the pilot project, three TruCam II Laser Speed Cameras have been deployed at strategic locations. These state-of-the-art devices were formally handed over to Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill by Paul Simcox, a Road Policing Advisor from GRSP .
The TruCam II cameras come with impressive technical capabilities:
- Can accurately measure vehicle speeds up to 320 km per hour
- Operates effectively both during day and night
- Can be used in multiple configurations:Â hand-held by personnel, mounted on tripods, or installed in police vehicles
- Captures high-resolution photographs and videos to serve as clear evidence in court proceedingsÂ
Beyond tracking overspeeding, these advanced devices can detect other traffic violations, including not wearing seat belts, riding without helmets, and using mobile phones while driving, thereby expanding the scope of enforcement beyond speed monitoring .
Addressing Alarming Road Accident Data
The initiative comes in direct response to concerning statistics from the Pune Rural Road Safety Report 2022-2023. According to the report:
- 57 per cent of fatal accidents recorded in the district during 2022 and 2023 occurred in the Pune Rural area
- 983 deaths due to road accidents were recorded in the Pune Rural Police jurisdiction in 2023 alone
- This represents a 5 per cent increase compared to the previous yearÂ
The report also highlighted that two-wheeler riders and pedestrians are the most affected victims in these accidents, underscoring the urgent need for effective speed control measures .
“The number of deaths due to road accidents in the Pune Rural region is very high. This pilot project is being implemented to control overspeeding through enhanced enforcement on key routes within the Pune rural jurisdiction. With the support of awareness campaigns, this enforcement will help reduce road accidents and the resulting deaths and injuries,” said SP Sandeep Singh Gill .
Comprehensive Training and Capacity Building
The successful deployment follows extensive preparatory training conducted over the past year:
- In May 2025, around 40 officers from the Pune Rural Police were trained in operating laser speed cameras by Paul Simcox through a week-long program covering technical operations, field deployment, and evidence management
- Additional training sessions were conducted in November 2025 and February 2026 specifically for officers and personnel from Lonavala and Vadgaon-Maval police stationsÂ
This structured training approach ensures that personnel are well-equipped to handle the technology effectively and maintain proper evidence protocols for challan issuance.
Focus Areas and Future Implementation
The pilot project will particularly focus on high-risk accident zones along the old Mumbai-Pune Highway and other locations within the Pune Rural Police limits . Officials have indicated that the data collected during this six-month pilot phase will be crucial for:
- Refining enforcement methods further
- Supporting wider implementation of road safety measures across the Pune Rural Police jurisdiction
- Developing targeted interventions based on violation patternsÂ
Collaborative International Partnership
The project represents a collaborative effort between local law enforcement and international road safety organizations. The Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) , operating under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) , has provided both technical expertise and the advanced equipment for this pilot .
This international collaboration brings global best practices in road safety enforcement to the streets of Pune, potentially serving as a model for other districts in Maharashtra and across India.
Impact on Commuters
For the millions of commuters who travel on the Mumbai-Pune Highway daily, this initiative means stricter enforcement of speed limits and potentially higher penalties for violations. Motorists are advised to adhere to prescribed speed limits and ensure compliance with all traffic rules, as the new cameras can document multiple violations simultaneously.
The Pune Rural Police have indicated that the pilot phase will help determine the most effective deployment strategies and operational protocols before any potential expansion to other areas within the district.
As road accidents continue to claim lives across India, technological interventions like the TruCam II laser speed cameras offer a promising path toward safer highways and reduced fatalities through data-driven, evidence-based enforcement.
