Delhi is set to significantly expand its surveillance network with the installation of 10,000 facial recognition-enabled CCTV cameras under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Safe City Project. Valued at ₹798 crore, the initiative aims to strengthen technology-driven policing and enhance security—particularly for women—through integrated monitoring systems.
At the core of the project will be command-and-control centres equipped with advanced video analytics, AI, and facial recognition capabilities. These will be linked to the Delhi Police’s existing Facial Recognition Software (FRS) database of around 3.5 lakh known criminals, enabling real-time identification of suspects from live feeds. The framework is guided by Standing Order No. Tech. & PI/04/2022, ensuring operational standardisation.
This is not Delhi’s first use of such technology. In August 2024, 700 facial recognition cameras were deployed for Independence Day security, covering high-security areas like the Red Fort and central districts. Currently, Delhi Police operate approximately 25,000 CCTV cameras, supplemented by other agencies such as Indian Railways and DMRC.
The upcoming dynamic cameras, all FRS-compatible, will allow for proactive surveillance, rapid incident response, and targeted tracking. However, the expansion also raises important debates around privacy, ethical AI use, and governance frameworks—issues that will determine the long-term public acceptance and success of this large-scale surveillance upgrade.
