Republic Day 2026: Delhi Police deploys 30,000 personnel, AI surveillance

The Delhi Police has placed the national capital on high alert ahead of Republic Day celebrations deploying more than 30000 personnel across the city as part of an extensive multilayered security arrangement officials said on Sunday reported news agency PTIOf the total deployment around 10000 police personnel have been stationed in the New Delhi district which includes the ceremonial parade route and several highsecurity zones Authorities said the focus remains on ensuring seamless security along the Kartavya Path and surrounding areas which are expected to witness heavy footfall during the celebrationsSecurity planning includes barricading mock drills and rehearsalsAdditional Commissioner of Police New Delhi Devesh Kumar Mahala said comprehensive security measures have been put in place after detailed planning and rehearsals ldquoFor the safety and security of Republic Day celebrations approximately 10000 police personnel are deployed in the New Delhi area Pickets barricades and all standard operating procedures are in placerdquo he said reported PTIMahala added that deployment plans pointwise briefings and contingency strategies have been explained to all personnel with mock drills and rehearsals conducted to ensure preparedness for any situationAIenabled CCTV cameras and facial recognition systems deployedAs part of technologydriven surveillance more than 3000 CCTV cameras equipped with advanced video analytics and Facial Recognition System FRS have been installed across the New Delhi area including along the parade route and nearby locations Live feeds from these cameras are being monitored roundtheclock through over 30 control rooms staffed by nearly 150 trained personnel reported PTIPolice personnel on the ground have also been equipped with AIenabled glasses integrated with FRS and video analytics ldquoThese Indiamade AI glasses are linked in real time with police databases of criminals suspects and proclaimed offenders If there is a face match in a crowded area it can be detected immediately allowing quick interventionrdquo Mahala said reported PTISnipers mobile surveillance and antisabotage checks in placeThe security grid includes multilayered barricading multiple levels of checking and frisking at designated entry points and strict access control measures along the parade route and adjoining areas Mobile surveillance vehicles fitted with FRS technology have been deployed at strategic locations to enhance monitoring and ensure rapid responseIn addition sniper teams have been positioned on thousands of rooftops across New Delhi North and Central districts Deputy commissioners of police have conducted detailed route surveys and antisabotage checks while vigilance has been intensified in highfootfall areas such as markets bus terminals metro stations and railway stations across the cityPolice urge public cooperation and adherence to guidelinesThe police are also carrying out tenant and domestic help verification drives as part of the security exercise Interstate coordination meetings have been held with neighbouring states to ensure smooth intelligence sharing and preparedness officials said reported PTIAppealing to citizens for cooperation the additional commissioner urged people to strictly follow security guidelines and avoid carrying prohibited items He also advised attendees to be aware of their seating enclosuresmdashnamed after riversmdashtheir approach roads and designated entry channels to avoid inconvenienceWith inputs from PTI