Madurai Boosts Cleanliness with AI Cameras, Plans Road Safety Upgrades for Disabled Access

Madurai launches AI-enhanced “Ezhil Koodal” cleanliness drive, expands road upgrades for disabled safety, and responds to wheelchair users’ concerns today.

Madurai is embracing technology across civic services and infrastructure, with new AI tools for sanitation, planned road improvements, and increased focus on mobility safety for disabled residents.

The City Corporation’s “Ezhil Koodal” initiative blends traditional cleanliness drives with modern tech. Volunteers, sanitation staff, and resident groups are partnering to beautify high-traffic areas like markets and bus stands. Officials say the campaign includes installing 60 AI-powered cameras to monitor overflowing dustbins and detect littering, and deploying a QR-code system to track sanitation worker assignments and gather citizen feedback, according to Times of India.

In response to rising safety concerns, focused upgrades are being planned for key roads. Civic engineers are auditing pedestrian crossings and accident hotspots, especially near the bus station and hospital zones. These upgrades aim to improve lighting, install speed deterrents, and smooth pavements for those using wheelchairs.

For wheelchair users like Velmurugan—who delivers goods daily—the effort can’t come soon enough. Navigating pothole-riddled surfaces has become a health risk. “We fall frequently. I worry about spine injuries,” he said, echoing concerns that led to a public awareness rally on World Spinal Cord Injury Day, as noted by Times of India.

City officials acknowledge these challenges and commit to action. A municipal spokesperson assured that combining AI-supported cleanup systems and targeted road enhancements will make Madurai safer and more accessible for all citizens.