Fare meters mandatory for auto rickshaws in city from Jan 1, city police deploy AI dashcams to monitor traffic violations, Mobile Library rolls across Ahmedabad to promote reading culture, and more. Find out what's happening in the city with this Ahmedabad News Roundup.

Starting from the 1st of January 2025, all auto-rickshaws operating in Ahmedabad must have fare meters installed, according to a directive issued by the city police. Drivers found operating without a meter after this date will face legal action.

The decision follows numerous complaints from commuters about overcharging by rickshaw drivers. Authorities have given drivers until the 31st of December 2024, to comply.

Ahmedabad Police have deployed AI-powered dashcams across the city. These devices, currently installed in 32 patrol vehicles and issued to 28 constables, are designed to automatically detect and record various traffic offences. The system specifically focuses on violations such as riding without a helmet, reckless driving, including wrong-side movement, and failing to wear a seat belt.

Once an offence is recorded, the footage is transmitted to a central control room for verification. After confirmation, an electronic memo detailing the violation and the corresponding fine is sent directly to the vehicle owner via SMS. In addition to the dashcams, 28 traffic officers equipped with AI-enabled mobile devices and tripods will be stationed at key traffic junctions.

The Ahmedabad International Book Festival, in collaboration with the National Book Trust (NBT), has launched a mobile library initiative to bring books directly to the city's residents. The mobile library, stocked with a collection of books for children, youth, and general readers, aims to enhance access to educational resources and promote a culture of reading among the community.

The mobile bus will travel through various neighbourhoods across Ahmedabad, including urban and rural areas, ensuring that literature reaches a broader audience.

The monkey population in Ahmedabad has surged from 2,200 in 2018 to 4,609 now, according to figures released by the state government. This increase has heightened human-wildlife conflicts, with the forest department now handling an average of two monkey bite cases and ten rescue requests daily, a significant rise from previous years.

Conversely, the peafowl population in the city has seen a 4% decline, dropping from 4,150 in 2018 to 3,987 in 2024. The growing monkey population poses challenges for residents and authorities, prompting increased efforts to manage human-animal interactions.

IndiGo Airlines has announced new flights from Ahmedabad to Kolkata, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati. These routes are likely to commence operations from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport from the 10th of December 2024.

The new services aim to improve connectivity between Ahmedabad and key destinations across India, catering to increased passenger demand during the holiday season.