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.
