Republic Day security in Delhi: AI-enabled glasses for officers, terror alert posters in a first

• Delhi Police deploy AI smart glasses for Republic Day security at Kartavya Path
• Photo of wanted terrorist Mohammed Rehan featured in Republic Day alert posters
• 10,000 police, anti-drone units, and snipers provide multi-layered security.

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With the 77th Republic Day celebrations approaching, Delhi Police have rolled out a strong and technology-based security plan for Kartavya Path and the entire New Delhi district.

For the first time, Delhi Police included the photo of a wanted terrorist, Mohammed Rehan, in Republic Day alert posters. Rehan is linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and is reportedly from Delhi. Authorities confirmed he is wanted by Delhi Police and intelligence agencies.

Use of AI-enabled smart glasses

In a first for Indian law enforcement, Delhi Police personnel will wear AI-powered smart glasses during the Republic Day event. These glasses, developed by Indian startup AznaLens, come with facial recognition and thermal imaging features.

More than a dozen such glasses have been given to police officers working in crowded areas around Kartavya Path. The glasses will scan faces in the crowd and match them with police records. If a match is above 60%, the system will alert officers.

The glasses will act like mobile CCTV cameras, while police smartphones will show the live footage and alerts. This will help officers monitor the crowd while moving around.

Seating areas named after rivers

This year, the seating areas for the Republic Day event have been named after Indian rivers. The security plan has also been updated to ensure safety and ease for guests.

Multi-layered security setup

Delhi Police and paramilitary forces have created multiple security layers around Kartavya Path. The area will be closely watched through a large CCTV network linked to facial recognition technology.

Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahala said around 10,000 police personnel will be deployed for the event. Nine on-ground briefings and rehearsals have already taken place.

Anti-drone units and snipers

To strengthen aerial security, anti-drone teams have been placed at key points. Sniper teams are also stationed on tall buildings to monitor the area.

Police are also conducting strict verification checks in hotels, guest houses, and homes of domestic workers across the district.

Multiple security checks for visitors

Visitors will go through at least three security screenings using Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs). Vehicles will also be checked multiple times at different security checkpoints. Pedestrians will be checked at least three times through DFMDs.

About 1,000 cameras to track threats

About 1,000 cameras have been installed to detect potential threats. These cameras use AI and facial recognition to alert police if someone with a criminal record is found.

High-resolution cameras will also alert the police if suspicious or stolen vehicles are spotted, and immediate action will be taken.

Routes for guests

The police have asked all guests and ticket holders to check their invitation cards carefully and follow the assigned routes. Detailed information about routes, parking, and seating is available on the Ministry of Defence and Delhi Police websites.

Metro stations to guide visitors

With help from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), announcements at metro stations will guide passengers about entry and exit gates, routes, and prohibited items.

Guests assigned to certain enclosures must use Udyog Bhawan Metro Station, while others must use Central Secretariat Metro Station. Special guests can travel for free on the metro if they follow the instructions on their digital pass.

Rules for visitors inside enclosures

Visitors are asked to walk only in marked paths, follow signboards, and cooperate with security staff at frisking points. Help desks will be available at key locations along Kartavya Path.

For security reasons, carrying bags, food, electronic devices (except mobile phones), power banks, water bottles, weapons, sharp objects, umbrellas, perfumes, toy weapons, or any explosive material inside the enclosures is not allowed.

Delhi Police have also urged citizens to report any suspicious activity immediately to nearby police personnel or by calling 112.