The ASTraM (Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management) app, launched by the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) to encourage citizens to report traffic violations, is drawing widespread criticism for its technical glitches and cumbersome process.
While the app requires users to enable geo-location when capturing violations to ensure accuracy of time and location, many complain that complaints are rejected even after following all instructions.
Prashanth, a city-based tech professional, shared his frustration: “I follow all the steps mentioned by the police on the ASTraM app, yet my complaints get rejected. I just can’t figure out what’s wrong.”
Other users argue that the app has instead complicated reporting, with police often responding on X (formerly Twitter) with more instructions rather than taking action. Vinay, another user, said: “It should be simple for the public. But instead of questioning violators, police direct their focus on questioning us.”
Complaints have also been raised about the app’s ‘Plan My Trip’ feature, which allegedly provides inaccurate distance and travel time, often differing by at least two kilometres compared with Google Maps and Apple Maps.
Acknowledging the feedback, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy said: “We are in the process of validating all reported violations. These issues should be resolved within a month.”
Police suspect the problem is more common among Android users, where geo-location is not automatically enabled by default. Until resolved, citizens remain frustrated that a tool meant to empower them is proving ineffective.