Punjab launches Rs. 16 billion digital surveillance expansion

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has launched a Rs. 16 billion project to expand its digital surveillance network across 98 tehsils in Punjab. The initiative involves the installation of approximately 10,000 new cameras, aiming to extend digital policing beyond major urban centers to more rural areas. The long-term goal is to reach 7,602 union councils throughout the province.

This expansion follows reports of a 70% reduction in heinous and serious crimes attributed to the existing network. The current infrastructure includes over 24,000 high-definition cameras and 43 smart Safe City centers providing 24-hour operational support to law enforcement.

The surveillance system utilizes over a dozen artificial intelligence technologies, including facial recognition, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), smart vision, crime analytics, and intelligent traffic management. These tools are designed to detect stolen vehicles, identify crime hotspots, and support the e-challan system.