Quick HighlightsVaranasi launches AI-powered MG Comet EV to monitor and identify illegal hoardings.Equipped with 360-degree cameras, laser devices, GPS, and drone support for accurate surveillance.App-based system to issue fines, replacing slow manual inspections.Aligns with Smart City Mission and Digital India initiatives, while boosting VMC revenue.Varanasi Deploys MG Comet EV to Take on Illegal HoardingsThe holy city of Varanasi has taken a futuristic step towards urban governance by deploying an AI-powered MG Comet EV to monitor and regulate outdoor advertisements. The initiative, launched by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC), is aimed at cracking down on illegal and unregulated hoardings that clutter city streets and often contribute to accidents.The special surveillance vehicle, flagged off by Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari from the Rudraksh Convention Centre in Sigra, is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 360-degree camera, laser measurement device, street-view GPS, and drone surveillance support . With these advanced features, the vehicle is expected to make outdoor advertising management in Varanasi more efficient, transparent, and sustainable.AI-Powered Patrol Every Three MonthsThe MG Comet EV , powered by artificial intelligence, will function as a patrol vehicle that surveys the entire city once every three months. Using its AI sensors, the vehicle will cross-check existing hoardings with the municipal records to identify unauthorized advertisements. If any violations are detected, fines will be issued automatically through an app-based notice generation system , replacing the current manual inspection process.Officials explained that this system will not only enhance the aesthetics of the city but also streamline monitoring efforts and increase the revenue generated by the Municipal Corporation. The move is directly in line with the Union government’s Smart City Mission and Digital India initiative , which emphasize the role of digital solutions in improving urban life.Tackling a Long-Standing ProblemIllegal hoardings have been a recurring issue in Varanasi, where streets are often cluttered with unapproved advertisements. Apart from spoiling the city’s cultural and spiritual charm, these hoardings have been linked to traffic congestion and accidents. Manual inspections have so far failed to keep up with the rising number of violations, prompting the need for a technological upgrade.With the introduction of this AI-enabled Comet EV , VMC is confident that regular surveillance and automated penalties will help reduce violations and maintain order across the city’s streets.The MG Comet EV: Compact Yet PowerfulThe MG Comet EV, India’s most affordable electric car, has been chosen for this special role due to its compact design, efficiency, and adaptability for city use. The vehicle comes with a 17.3 kWh battery paired with a 41.4 bhp electric motor , offering a range of up to 230 km on a single charge. With the capacity to seat four passengers, the Comet EV is available in six variants: Executive, Excite, Excite FC, Exclusive, Exclusive FC, and the Blackstorm edition .The price of the EV starts at ₹4.99 lakh , with Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) options available at just ₹3.1 per km , making it not only affordable but also cost-effective for municipal surveillance tasks.Smart Cities and the Road AheadThe deployment of the AI-powered MG Comet EV represents a significant step towards smarter, technology-driven governance in India. By embracing this innovation, Varanasi is setting an example for other cities that face similar challenges with outdoor advertising and urban management.As the initiative gains traction, it could pave the way for wider adoption of AI-enabled EVs across municipal corporations nationwide, supporting both environmental sustainability and digital governance.