Kathmandu, July 8 -- Running a red light because there is no traffic police officer in sight? Riding a motorcycle onto the pavement or crossing lanes to bypass a traffic jam? Overspeeding on city roads late at night, assuming no one is watching?

If so, the chances of escaping punishment are rapidly diminishing.

Traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley are now monitoring roads around the clock through a network of CCTV cameras linked directly to the central control room. The system allows officers to detect traffic violations in real time and initiate enforcement action without being physically present at the scene.

The technology-driven surveillance system marks a shift towards a more automated model of traffic management. Officials say ...