Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), in collaboration with the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), is driving innovation through AI-powered traffic solutions as part of the country’s Safe City initiatives. One such solution is the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which is transforming the way traffic safety authorities manage road safety and traffic efficiency. This technology uses specialized cameras and software to detect and process vehicle license plates in real time, helping law enforcement and government agencies monitor road activity, enforce traffic rules, and respond to incidents more effectively.

The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance public safety and optimize law enforcement efforts. For years, challenges such as traffic violations, unregistered vehicles, and limited manpower have hampered effective road monitoring. The ANPR system addresses these issues by providing instantaneous alerts and collecting key data, ensuring that limited human resources are deployed where they are needed most. As a result, the system improves overall security and streamlines traffic operations, benefiting both law enforcement and the public.

This project aligns with DHI’s broader Innovation Strategy, which aims to harness cutting-edge technologies to drive growth, efficiency, and societal impact. The DRIVE team has adopted a multi-pronged development strategy that includes hardware testing and AI model optimizations to ensure a cost-effective, accurate, and reliable solution. Several rounds of proof-of-concept trials have already yielded promising results, with the ANPR model now offering faster inference speeds and impressive accuracy in capturing detailed images of moving vehicles. Additionally, infrared illumination has been added to improve plate recognition at night.

In the next phase, the team plans to expand the system to multiple pilot sites, gathering data at scale to refine the system's performance further. Upcoming enhancements will also include speed detection, AI-driven analytics (such as vehicle type classification), and integration with the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) to provide even more value to the system.

This initiative is just one example of how DHI’s Innovation Strategy is leveraging technological advancements for public safety and national growth.

Contributed by: Tashi Phuntsho, Associate Analyst, DHI Innotech