Pune Suburbs to Come Under AI-Driven CCTV Surveillance in Police Safety Push

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Pune’s Information Technology department, under the leadership of Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, is intensifying efforts to map internal roads and suburban areas for the installation of AI-enabled CCTV cameras as part of the ambitious ‘Safe City Project.’

In 2025, the city will see the deployment of 2,886 new cameras backed by a ₹438.22 crore budget aimed at enhancing public safety and crime prevention.Of these, 609 cameras will be dedicated to monitoring hill and ghat regions, including remote areas like Bopdev Ghat, supported by a separate ₹82 crore allocation. The initiative also targets fast-growing suburbs such as Mohammadwadi, Undri, NIBM Road, and Kondhwa, which face increasing traffic congestion, safety challenges, and infrastructure strain.

An IT department official explained that the project’s goal is to build a robust AI-powered surveillance network, focusing particularly on rapidly urbanizing suburbs including Mohammadwadi, NIBM Annexe, Undri, Kharadi, Wagholi, Pisoli, Handewadi, and Mundhwa. The plan covers internal roads, chowks, traffic hotspots, and suburban residential belts, not just city centers.The rollout will occur in two phases: Track 1 will maintain existing camera infrastructure for six years, while Track 2 involves deploying new high-tech surveillance systems within 12 months, followed by five years of maintenance.

Cutting-edge features include Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Vehicle Over-speed Detection (VDS), Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), and real-time monitoring via drones and mobile surveillance vans.ACP Vivek Pawar highlighted, “These AI tools will help law enforcement identify criminal activity, manage traffic violations, and respond quickly to emergencies across Pune and its outskirts.”Upgrades to the Pune Police Command-and-Control Centre will integrate new software, data centers, and advanced analytics for 24/7 real-time monitoring, revolutionizing law and order management citywide.

ACP Pawar added, “The AI-backed network is expected to deter crime in suburbs, many of which have seen rising theft, road rage, and vandalism.”Residents of eastern and southern growth corridors like Mohammadwadi, Undri, Kharadi, Wagholi, Mundhwa, and Handewadi have welcomed the move. Despite housing IT hubs and premium real estate, these areas have struggled with patchy infrastructure and limited police presence.

Sanjeev Patil, director of Wagholi Housing Societies Association, said, “Wagholi’s rapid growth hasn’t been matched by policing. CCTV surveillance with AI capabilities will be a major deterrent to crime.”Sunil Aiyer, director of the Mohammadwadi-Undri Residents Welfare Development Foundation, expressed hope: “Rapid urbanization led to a floating population and safety concerns. We expect this project will deliver real results, not just promises.”