Kolkata Police Unveils Major CCTV Expansion Under Nirbhaya Project-II
In a significant move to bolster public safety, Kolkata Police is poised to dramatically increase its surveillance capabilities. The city is set to receive an additional 6,700 CCTV cameras and 50 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras as part of the Nirbhaya project-II. This expansion, with an estimated cost of Rs 58.2 crore, marks the largest CCTV initiative ever undertaken within the jurisdiction of Kolkata Police.
Massive Scale-Up in Surveillance Infrastructure
Currently, Kolkata Police operates around 3,000 CCTV cameras across the city. The new project aims to raise this count to approximately 10,000 cameras, effectively tripling the existing network. An officer from the community policing division highlighted the ambitious goal, stating, "The target is to install at least one CCTV camera for every square kilometre, covering important crossings and spots." This strategic placement is designed to enhance monitoring of key areas, thereby improving crime prevention and investigation efforts.
Ensuring Continuity with Maintenance and Upgrades
As Kolkata Police prepares to launch the second phase of its Safer City project utilizing Nirbhaya funds, attention is also being directed towards maintaining existing infrastructure. The force has committed to ensuring that at least 1,000 hi-tech cameras installed under the Nirbhaya Phase-I scheme remain fully operational. This includes necessary upgrades to keep the technology current and effective.
To support this, Kolkata Police has issued an e-tender to engage an agency for a three-year comprehensive annual maintenance contract (AMC) for surveillance and network infrastructure. The estimated cost for this AMC is Rs 9,54,71,049. The contract covers a wide range of equipment, ensuring robust maintenance and reliability.
Detailed Equipment Coverage Under the AMC
The maintenance contract specifies several critical components of the surveillance system:
- 960 units of 8 MP varifocal motorised bullet IP cameras: These high-resolution cameras offer flexible zoom and positioning capabilities for detailed monitoring.
- 20 units of 2 MP PTZ cameras: Pan-tilt-zoom cameras that provide dynamic coverage and can be remotely controlled to track movements.
- 20 units of special dual-lens people-counting cameras: Designed for deployment in major commercial zones, protest sites, or festival spots, these cameras help manage crowd density and safety.
- 1,050 units of 128 GB micro SD cards: Essential for storing vast amounts of video footage securely.
- 160 customised camera mounting poles with lightning arresters: Infrastructure to securely install cameras and protect them from electrical damage.
- ANPR camera mounting poles: Specifically designed poles of 9 metres with 5-metre arms at both ends to optimize the placement of ANPR cameras for vehicle identification.
Strategic Implications for Urban Security
This expansion is not merely about increasing numbers; it represents a strategic enhancement of Kolkata's urban security framework. By integrating advanced technologies like ANPR and people-counting cameras, the police aim to create a more responsive and intelligent surveillance network. The focus on maintenance through the AMC ensures long-term sustainability, preventing technical failures that could compromise safety efforts.
The Nirbhaya project-II, funded under central government schemes, underscores a commitment to leveraging technology for public welfare. As Kolkata moves towards a safer urban environment, this CCTV initiative sets a precedent for other cities to follow, balancing innovation with practical implementation to protect citizens effectively.
