Traffic in Bengaluru.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: The ASTraM (Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management) app, launched by the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), has drawn flack from users over persistent technical glitches.
Though meant to help citizens report traffic violations, the app’s long list of conditions makes filing complaints difficult, users say.
To get the accurate location and time of the violation, the police want citizens to enable the geo-location while taking pictures. But many report that even after enabling geo-location and uploading photographs through the app, their complaints are rejected.
Prashanth, a tech professional, said, “I follow all the instructions of the police while posting on the ASTraM app, yet my complaint is rejected. I just do not understand what the issue is.”
Others complain that instead of simplifying reporting, the police respond on X with more instructions rather than acting against violators.
Vinay, another user, said, “It is a public platform. It should be easier to use. When we ask questions on X, police personnel are interested in questioning us and directing us rather than questioning the violators.”
Users vent their frustration on X by tagging the BTP only to receive more instructions from the police.
Users have also flagged inaccuracies in the ‘Plan My Trip’ feature, citing mismatches of at least two kilometres and significant time differences compared with Google Maps and Apple Maps.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy said, “We are trying to validate all traffic violations. Everything should be solved and validated in a month’s time.”
The police believe the issue is largely faced by Android users, where geo-location is not enabled by default.