Bhubaneswar to Be Watched by 3,100 AI Eyes: Odisha’s Bold Step Toward a Crime-Free Capital

In a groundbreaking move to enhance urban safety, the Odisha government has launched a mega surveillance initiative in Bhubaneswar, deploying 3,100 AI-powered cameras across 645 strategic locations. The goal? To transform the capital into a crime-free zone using cutting-edge technology.

These AI cameras boast advanced capabilities—identifying individuals by gender and clothing colour, tracking vehicles, and pinpointing suspects in real time.

Unlike traditional CCTV systems, each camera can monitor up to 2,000 people simultaneously, drastically improving coverage and response efficiency.

The rollout will occur in two phases. The first phase includes the installation of 1,500 cameras, with the remaining units to be deployed under a separate tender.

Notably, the project follows an OPEX (Operational Expenditure) model, meaning the government incurs no upfront costs.

Instead, private firms will handle installation and operations, receiving performance-based payments over 84 instalments across seven years.

All cameras will be integrated with local police stations, ensuring instant alerts and rapid action when criminal activity is detected.

The system is designed to prevent escape routes for offenders and provide real-time intelligence to law enforcement.

This initiative was finalised during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister’s advisor Prakash Mishra, following extensive research into global traffic and crime control systems.

If successful, similar deployments may follow in other cities across Odisha.