Guangdong province has pioneered a revolutionary approach to traffic management during the Spring Festival travel rush through an advanced drone network that dramatically accelerates emergency response times on expressways. The system, which represents China’s first dedicated drone squadron for highway operations, has transformed how authorities handle accidents on some of the world’s busiest roadways.
The cutting-edge network demonstrated its capabilities on February 2nd when a drone deployed from Shatian drone airport in Dongguan reached an accident scene on Nansha Bridge in just one minute and forty seconds. The unmanned aerial vehicle immediately transmitted high-definition imagery and passenger safety assessments to monitoring centers in near real-time, enabling operators to provide immediate vocal instructions through onboard loudspeakers directing vehicles to safety.
This rapid intervention facilitated the swift restoration of normal traffic flow on the critical transportation artery. The operation exemplifies routine procedures implemented during this year’s Spring Festival travel period, when millions of Chinese citizens journey home for family reunions.
The technological infrastructure behind this breakthrough includes 12 fixed drone airports and one mobile unit strategically positioned along the bridge corridor. Since establishing its inaugural drone facility in 2023, Guangdong has expanded its aerial response team to 27 specialized operators capable of launching automated missions upon alert reception, with average response times between 150-180 seconds.
Provincial transportation authorities have designated the drone task force as an elite frontline unit for maintaining smooth traffic operations across Guangdong’s extensive expressway network. The system represents a significant advancement in intelligent transportation management, combining rapid deployment capabilities with real-time data transmission to address incidents before they escalate into major congestion events.