Amit Shah Unveils Delhi's AI-Driven Safe City Initiative
Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially launched the inaugural phase of the Safe City Project in New Delhi on Monday, marking a transformative step towards redefining the capital's internal security framework. This ambitious initiative aims to evolve Delhi into a smarter and more secure urban environment through cutting-edge technological integration.
Massive Surveillance Network and Command Center
At the core of the project, which carries an estimated budget of Rs 857 crore, is the deployment of an extensive, AI-powered surveillance system. This network includes a modern integrated command, control, communication, and computer center, known as C4I, alongside advanced policing setups. The C4I facility will function as the sophisticated "nerve center" for coordinating all security operations across the city.
In this initial phase, a total of 10,000 cameras are planned to connect every corner of Delhi. Already, 2,100 cameras have been activated and are operational. Furthermore, the integration of more than 15,000 existing cameras with the new system has been successfully completed, enhancing the overall monitoring capabilities.
Futuristic Roadmap and New Police Projects
Speaking at the 79th raising day ceremony of Delhi Police, Amit Shah outlined a futuristic roadmap that transitions from traditional policing methods to a high-tech, integrated surveillance and legal framework. He emphasized, "This project will significantly enhance Delhi's security in the coming days."
Shah also laid the foundation stones for 10 new Delhi Police projects designed to create a technologically advanced and impenetrable security umbrella for the capital. Among these is an integrated headquarters for the special cell, being constructed at a cost of Rs 368 crore. The home minister stated that this facility will become the country's most modern center for combating narcotics and terrorism. "It will be equipped with a state-of-the-art indoor firing range, war room, cyber lab, training hall, and various other modern facilities," he added.
Praise for Delhi Police and Global Security Standards
Praising Delhi Police for its investigation into last November's car blast near the Red Fort, Shah highlighted the importance of aligning Delhi's security with the highest global standards. He noted, "Due to many national and international events that are held here, as well as the presence of the offices and residences of the PM and the President in the city, the responsibility of Delhi Police increases significantly."
Shah further elaborated on the special cell's critical role, stating, "The special cell has played a significant role in investigating narcotics syndicates, busting fake currency rackets, tackling organised crime and complex cybercrimes, and probing several major terrorist incidents, not only in Delhi, but across the country."
Golden Period of India's Internal Security
The home minister asserted that the period from 2014 to 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm, will be recorded as the golden period of India's internal security. He explained, "Before 2014, our country faced three problems — unrest in Jammu & Kashmir, Left-wing extremism and a volatile northeast — that had been challenging our internal security. After the repeal of Article 370, we succeeded in reducing violence in Kashmir. We are very close to completely eradicating Naxalism, and we will certainly succeed in making the entire country free from Naxal violence by this March 31."
Regarding the northeast, Shah mentioned that over 10,000 youths have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream, and through more than 12 peace agreements, significant progress has been made towards establishing peace in the region.
New Criminal Laws and Digital Integration
Shah also detailed the introduction of three new criminal laws, which replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. He projected, "Within the next two years, after the full implementation of the new laws, any FIR filed anywhere in the country will receive a final decision up to the Supreme Court within three years."
Key provisions in these laws include a separate chapter for crimes against children and women, legal backing for E-FIRs and Zero FIRs, and the legalization of community service as a punishment for minor offences. Additionally, provisions have been made for the confiscation and seizure of properties of proclaimed offenders located outside India.
The successful integration of these laws with the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) will ensure that the entire process — from the registration of an FIR to the final judgment — becomes digital and time-bound, Shah concluded.
