Will Chennai Police Install 300 AI Surveillance Cameras Along Marina Beach?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 300 AI-enabled CCTV cameras will enhance security at Marina Beach.
- Real-time monitoring will assist in crime prevention.
- Strategic locations include major landmarks.
- Data security measures will be robust.
- Integration with existing surveillance systems is planned.
Chennai, Oct 8 (NationPress) The Greater Chennai Police are poised to revolutionize the renowned Marina Beach area into a cutting-edge security hub through the implementation of approximately 300 artificial intelligence (AI) powered closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
This state-of-the-art system aims to enhance public safety, facilitate real-time crowd monitoring and facial recognition, and support officers in deterring criminal activities at one of the city’s most frequented public spots.
As per a request for proposal (RfP) issued by the city police, the initiative will encompass 71 critical locations across five surveillance zones, stretching from the Labour Statue to Srinivasapuram.
Key sites include well-known landmarks such as Kannagi Statue, Lighthouse, Napier Bridge, Santhome Church, and Kamarajar Salai.
The strategy includes the deployment of 280 fixed 8MP 4K Ultra HD bullet cameras alongside 20 PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras equipped with facial recognition and automatic number plate recognition capabilities.
“Each camera pole will be outfitted with weatherproof enclosures, network switches, and an uninterrupted power supply to guarantee 24/7 functionality,” stated a senior police official.
A mini control room is set to be established at the Marina Beach police station to gather and monitor video feeds, which will also be broadcast live to the city’s Intelligent Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Vepery.
Authorities indicated that the network will depend on a combination of radio frequency links, optical fiber, and leased lines to ensure efficient data transmission.
The AI-driven platform is engineered to provide immediate alerts regarding unusual crowd formations, suspicious behaviors, and potential security threats.
Video recordings will be retained locally for 30 days and archived centrally for long-term accessibility.
Officials have emphasized that data security will be a top priority, with the system featuring firewalls, VPN encryption, and intrusion prevention systems.
There are plans to integrate this new infrastructure with Chennai’s existing ICCC network, which already connects hundreds of cameras throughout the city. Mylapore MLA Dha Velu remarked that the enhanced surveillance would help combat drug-related issues along the beach.
“Many outsiders exploit this area for drug use. These cameras will enhance safety, particularly beyond the Lighthouse, where foot traffic has been steadily increasing,” he noted.
Officials stated that this project is part of a broader initiative to modernize Chennai’s policing framework and ensure that Marina Beach remains both vibrant and secure for millions of visitors.