In a significant move to strengthen communication networks in hard-to-reach areas, Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta inaugurated a fleet of new vehicles under the second phase of the Remote Area Communication Enhancement (RACE) project. The launch event took place at the state police headquarters in Mangalagiri on Friday.
Boosting Emergency Response Capabilities
The newly inaugurated fleet consists of 8 four-wheelers and 16 two-wheelers, with a combined worth of Rs 2 crore. These vehicles are designated for deployment across 8 districts in the state. Each vehicle is essentially a mobile communication centre, designed to provide uninterrupted connectivity where traditional mobile networks fail or are absent.
Speaking at the inauguration, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta outlined the core mission of the RACE programme. "The primary objective is to bridge the critical communication gap in our state's remote forests, hilly terrains, coastlines, and areas prone to natural calamities," he stated. These are regions that frequently experience mobile network failures or have no existing network facilities.
Multi-Faceted Benefits of the RACE System
The DGP elaborated on the wide-ranging advantages the RACE system brings to law enforcement and public safety. The system ensures continuous and reliable communication independent of commercial mobile networks. This capability is vital for several key operations:
- Immediate Command and Control: During law and order duties, bandobast, elections, protests, fairs, and large festivals.
- Faster Disaster Response: Enabling quicker coordination during accidents, natural disasters, and other emergency situations.
- Improved Inter-Departmental Coordination: Facilitating seamless collaboration among police, revenue, disaster management, and other departments.
- Support in Challenging Terrains: Providing comprehensive communication backup to field units operating in the most difficult landscapes.
Gupta cited past emergencies where RACE vehicles proved indispensable. "During critical incidents like the boat accidents in Kachuluru and Polavaram, especially in hilly regions with no communication facilities, RACE vehicles were vital tools. They played a crucial role in coordinating rescue and relief operations," he recalled.
A Commitment to Modern, Tech-Driven Policing
With the addition of these vehicles for 8 more districts, the state aims to significantly strengthen last-mile communication, enhance disaster preparedness, and improve the maintenance of law and order. The DGP emphasized that this initiative reflects the AP Police's steadfast commitment to public safety and modern, technology-driven policing.
The event was attended by senior police officials including Additional DGP (Law & Order) N Madhusudhan Reddy, IGP (Technical Services) CH Srikant, and DIG (Communications) N S J Lakshmi.
Building on Phase I Success
The RACE project is being implemented in phases. Under RACE – Phase I, which was executed during 2018–19 with funding from the Ministry of Police Forces (MoPF) budget, the police procured 9 four-wheelers and 20 two-wheelers for 9 districts at a cost of Rs 2.13 crore.
The newly launched RACE – Phase II, planned for the year 2025–26, continues this investment in critical infrastructure. The procurement of the 24 vehicles for 8 districts, also funded under the MoPF budget, marks a continued push to eliminate communication blackspots across Andhra Pradesh.
