In response to the alarming increase in atrocities against women, murders, and chain-snatchings in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the Command-and-Control Centre at the newly built Safe City Command Centre in Vasanthnagar. This initiative is part of the Safe City Project, a collaborative effort between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the state government, aiming to combat gender-based crimes through innovative measures.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of the Safe City Project in providing rapid assistance, especially for women, especially abled individuals, and senior citizens. The project seeks to respond within seven minutes of reporting, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based cameras and technology to proactively combat crimes and instill positive change in the city.
Citing a recent case of a senior geologist’s murder, Siddaramaiah urged the police department to maintain vigilant control and prioritize the safety of women in the city. He emphasized the need for proactive measures, including monitoring residences where women live alone, highlighting the significance of crime prevention over post-incident apprehension.
The Safe City Command Centre, funded under the Nirbhaya Fund, features 7,500 cameras strategically placed at 3,000 locations across the city. These high-resolution cameras and drones enable personnel to monitor ongoing activities, ensuring a swift response to emergencies. Additionally, 50 safety islands at public places connect emergency calls to the Command Control Centre, which boasts over 120 viewing centers.
The data center, equipped with state-of-the-art on-premise technology, facilitates real-time citywide footage from AI-based cameras. It provides a 30-day storage capacity for continuous video recording, enhancing the ability to analyze and respond to incidents effectively.
To bolster on-ground records, the project includes 10 drones with high-resolution cameras for an aerial perspective and 560 body-worn cameras distributed among police personnel. A Mobile Command and Control Centre (MCCC) vehicle, featuring on-board monitoring and management, enhances mobility for improved crowd control and surveillance capabilities.
In addition to addressing crimes against individuals, Bengaluru is also taking steps to improve road safety and traffic management. The city, ranked as the second-most congested globally in 2022, is implementing advanced tech solutions for traffic monitoring. AI-based data analytics will be used to monitor traffic jams on 20 major roads, providing valuable insights into congestion patterns, accidents, and violations. Predictive analytics will play a key role in generating advanced alerts for upcoming congestion, facilitating more responsive action plans.
Bengaluru’s commitment to safety encompasses both public security and traffic management, showcasing a holistic approach to leveraging technology for the well-being of its residents. The Safe City Project and advancements in traffic management underscore the city’s dedication to utilizing AI for a safer and more efficient urban environment. Honeywell Automation has won the bid to run and maintain the security infrastructure, signifying a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to ensure the success of these critical initiatives.
