AI fails to prevent traffic mess
More than 4,000 AI-enabled cameras and over 20,000 from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Delhi police failed to minimise the chaos in and around the Bharat Mandapam, where the world’s largest summit on Artificial Intelligence is being held. Further Government-supported applications such as DigiYatra too failed.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second visit the use of AI-driven crowd tracking and threat identification tools was intensified to manage ongoing issues at Bharat Mandapam.
AI-enabled live CCTV feeds are fed into a central command network, where computer-vision models analyse faces, crowd density, and movement patterns in real time. Facial recognition tools compare images against police databases, then send alerts to control rooms and field officers for quick response. Similar systems were also deployed during the January 26 Republic Day security operations.
In addition to surveillance, organisers implemented biometric access controls alongside surveillance for entry management. Registered attendees were advised to use the DigiYatra for paperless access. This allowed delegates to link their registration to the app and enter via consent-based facial verification, thereby reducing queues and the need for manual checks at the venue.Police said access to the venue will remain strictly regulated through QR code-based accreditation, while a dedicated coordination cell has been set up to oversee intelligence sharing, traffic regulation, route planning and real-time response during the summit period.
Apart from the deployment of cameras exclusively for the high-profile gathering, at least six anti-drone systems and four air defence guns were installed at the venue.
Traffic management will remain a major focus area, with nearly 5,000 traffic personnel deployed to regulate vehicular movement and manage diversions, officials said, adding that several ambulances will remain stationed along VVIP routes for emergency response.According to sources, police personnel have been equipped with AI-enabled smart glasses featuring thermal imaging systems to help identify suspects in crowded areas.
Police said surveillance teams have monitored suspected elements and repeat protesters for nearly a month. According to the police, the Bharat Mandapam area has been divided into 10 security zones, each supervised by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer. SWAT commandos, bomb disposal squads and dog squads have also been placed on high alert.The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is monitoring any activities to prevent any attempt by anti-national elements to disrupt law and order or affect the country’s image during the high-profile gathering.
