Varanasi Goes Smart, Deploys AI-Powered MG Comet EV To Take On Illegal Hoardings

Varanasi News: The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) has unveiled the artificial intelligence-enabled MG Comet EV, designed to identify and crack down on illegal and unchecked advertisements across the city while ensuring compliance with local laws. The special vehicle, flagged off by Varanasi Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari from the Rudraksh Convention Centre in Sigra, has a 360-degree camera, a laser measurement device, street-view GPS, and drone surveillance support. 

AI-Powered MG Comet EV: Functioning

The AI-powered MG Comet EV will act as a patrol vehicle. It will survey the city every three months, cross-checking the hoardings displayed with Municipal records using AI sensors to detect unauthorised ones and issue fines through an app-based notice generation system.  

VIDEO | This vehicle may look like a normal car, but it's not. It is powered by artificial intelligence and ready to hunt down illegal advertisement hoardings across Varanasi city in Uttar Pradesh.

The city's Municipal Corporation launched this AI-equipped vehicle on Friday. The… pic.twitter.com/4p88wrqrlv

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 5, 2025

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AI-Powered MG Comet EV: Aim

According to officials at the launch event, the initiative will not only improve the city's aesthetics but also enhance the efficiency of surveillance and boost the income of the Municipal Corporation. The initiative is in alignment with the Union government's flagship initiatives, such as 'Smart City Mission' and 'Digital India', aimed at leveraging technology to improve the quality of life.

Besides, the city of Varanasi has long been marred by illegal advertisements, cluttering up the streets and contributing to accidents. Therefore, this digital intervention will replace the manual inspections that are unable to keep up with the number of violations.

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MG Comet EV: Battery Specs

MG India's most affordable Comet EV has a 17.3kWh battery paired with a 41bhp electric motor. The claimed range is capped at 230km. The EV can comfortably seat 4 people and is available in 4 variants: Excite, Excite FC, Exclusive FC, and Executive. The prices of the EV start at Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom), with a battery rental programme at Rs 3.1 per kilometre.