Eyes On Every Corner: Bhubaneswar Rolls Out 1500 AI Cameras To Boost Urban Safety

 

Bhubaneswar is stepping boldly into the future of urban surveillance with the installation of 1500 new AI-powered CCTV cameras across the city. Spearheaded by Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL), this initiative aims to transform the capital into a safer, smarter, and more responsive urban space. With advanced features like facial recognition, behavior analysis, and traffic violation detection, the city’s security infrastructure is undergoing a major upgrade that promises real-time intervention and long-term planning benefits.

 

Here’s a comprehensive look at how this tech-driven move is reshaping Bhubaneswar’s safety landscape.

 

Key Features That Make This Rollout Stand Out

 

•⁠  ⁠The new cameras are equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities including facial recognition and crowd behavior analysis.

•⁠  ⁠They can automatically detect traffic violations such as riding without helmets, driving on the wrong side, overspeeding, and signal jumping.

•⁠  ⁠All cameras are linked to an integrated command and control center where trained personnel monitor live feeds and coordinate with police teams for immediate response.

•⁠  ⁠The system will generate data analytics on traffic flow, congestion zones, and accident-prone areas to support urban planning.

 

Strategic Locations And Expanded Coverage

 

•⁠  ⁠The 1500 cameras are being installed at key junctions, public spaces, and high-footfall zones across Bhubaneswar.

•⁠  ⁠This expansion will take the city’s total surveillance network to 3300 cameras, supplementing the 1800 already in operation.

•⁠  ⁠Locations are being finalized based on crime mapping, traffic density, and vulnerability assessments for women, children, and senior citizens.

 

Smart Surveillance For Safer Streets

 

•⁠  ⁠The cameras will help law enforcement respond faster to incidents such as theft, assault, and traffic accidents.

•⁠  ⁠Facial recognition technology will assist in identifying suspects and missing persons.

•⁠  ⁠Behavior analysis algorithms will flag unusual movements, crowd gatherings, or loitering, allowing authorities to intervene before escalation.

 

Traffic Management And Road Safety Benefits

 

•⁠  ⁠The AI system will detect and record violations like triple riding, wrong-side driving, and speeding.

•⁠  ⁠Number plate recognition will help track repeat offenders and enforce fines more efficiently.

•⁠  ⁠Data collected will be used to redesign intersections, improve signal timing, and reduce bottlenecks.

 

Command Center: The Brain Behind The Operation

 

•⁠  ⁠All surveillance feeds are routed to a centralized command center staffed by trained operators.

•⁠  ⁠The center will coordinate with police, emergency services, and municipal departments for rapid response.

•⁠  ⁠It will also serve as a hub for generating reports, heat maps, and predictive analytics to guide future infrastructure development.

 

Public Reception And Expert Opinions

 

•⁠  ⁠Residents have welcomed the move, especially in areas like Saheed Nagar and Unit 4, where petty crimes and traffic violations are frequent.

•⁠  ⁠Security experts have praised the integration of AI, noting its potential to deter crime and improve civic discipline.

•⁠  ⁠However, calls for strict data privacy protocols and transparency in usage have also emerged, urging authorities to balance safety with civil liberties.

 

Long-Term Vision And Smart City Goals

 

•⁠  ⁠The initiative aligns with the Smart City Mission’s objective of leveraging technology for citizen welfare and urban governance.

•⁠  ⁠BSCL plans to upgrade existing cameras and extend AI capabilities to other services like waste management and emergency response.

•⁠  ⁠The selected agency will manage installation and maintenance for seven years, ensuring continuity and technical support.

 

Looking Ahead: A Model For Urban Safety

 

Bhubaneswar’s AI-powered surveillance network is not just a technological upgrade—it’s a statement of intent. By combining innovation with accountability, the city is positioning itself as a model for urban safety and smart governance. As installation progresses and analytics begin to flow, the real impact will be seen in safer streets, smoother traffic, and a more responsive civic ecosystem.

 

Sources: Pragativadi, Odisha TV, Odisha Bytes, Times of India.