From smart glasses to drones; multi-tier security blankets Delhi

AI-enabled Meta glasses, cameras and surveillance drones deployment turned the national capital into a fortress as Delhi Police tighten the security grid ahead of Republic Day, officials said on Sunday.

A total of 20,000 personnel of the Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed to oversee the security in the city as the nation gears up to celebrate 77th Republic Day at the Kartavya Path here tomorrow.

Multiple checkpoints have been set-up at the national capital’s entry and exit points to monitor the movement of people and goods as part of these heightened measures.

In a major technological upgrade, the Delhi Police have deployed AI-enabled smart glasses and advanced facial recognition systems for the first time during the Republic Day Parade to strengthen surveillance and improve real-time threat detection.

Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahala said the force was increasingly relying on technology-driven solutions to boost security preparedness. “The force is making full use of technology-driven solutions from a security perspective,” he said.

Mahala said all CCTV cameras had been integrated with video analytics and facial recognition systems (FRS), enabling the police to identify suspects with greater precision. “There are various kinds of video analytics, and we will utilise them as well. This time, we are also using specially developed cameras and wearable glasses,” he said.

District DCPs were also briefed on the security arrangements. Police officers will remain on high alert and report any suspicious activity immediately, he added.

Another officer said roughly 4,000 rooftop security points have been identified across New Delhi, North and Central districts. Approximately 500 high-resolution AI cameras have been installed along the parade route and in surrounding areas. All parade attendees will receive security stickers.

Deputy Commissioners of Police have completed route surveys and anti-sabotage checks. Vigilance has been stepped up in high-footfall locations such as bus stops, railway stations and popular markets.

Preventive measures underway include tenant and domestic-worker verification drives across the city.

The police are also conducting “eyes and ears” awareness sessions with auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, vendors and local service providers.

Interstate coordination meetings between the Delhi Police and neighbouring state forces are facilitating information sharing and joint preparedness.

Security arrangements have been specially strengthened in New Delhi, Central and North districts – areas that house Parliament, Red Fort, India Gate and several other high-security and symbolic locations.