Select areas of Delhi will soon be equipped with facial recognition-enabled CCTV cameras as part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ ₹798-crore “Safe City Project,” aimed at enhancing technology-driven policing and security, particularly for women.

The initiative includes setting up command-and-control centres with video analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and facial recognition capabilities. According to the ministry’s statement in the Rajya Sabha, the system will be used to monitor suspected persons and criminals, following Standing Order No. Tech. & PI/04/2022 issued by Delhi Police.

In August 2024, Delhi Police deployed 700 facial recognition cameras for Independence Day security, focusing on the Red Fort and surrounding districts. Currently, the force operates nearly 25,000 CCTV cameras under various schemes, alongside installations by agencies like Indian Railways and DMRC.

The city’s C4I system already houses a facial recognition software (FRS) database containing details of around 3.5 lakh criminals. Under the Safe City Project, 10,000 new dynamic cameras will be installed, all compatible with FRS, enabling real-time suspect identification from live feeds.

Officials say the move will significantly bolster surveillance and public safety across the capital.