CCTV pix
Nashik : The city is set for a major expansion of its surveillance network ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, with authorities deciding to install around 1,000 additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at key locations across the city. With the latest addition, the total number of CCTV cameras planned for Nashik city will rise to 4,000. Earlier, the Nashik Municipal Smart City Development Corporation Ltd (NMSCDCL) had proposed installing 3,000 cameras across the city to strengthen security, crowd management and traffic monitoring during the mega religious congregation scheduled next year. Separately, around 1,000 CCTV cameras are also planned for Trimbakeshwar. A total of 5,000 CCTV cameras are to be installed by the smart city corporation in Nashik city as well as in Trimbakeshwar at a total cost of Rs 375 crore. “Based on recommendations from the police administration, additional 1,000 CCTV cameras have been incorporated into the project. Of these, around 350 cameras will be installed at Sadhugram in Tapovan,” the official said. “Nearly 265 km of the planned 300 km optical fibre cable (OFC) network has already been laid. However, with the addition of 1,000 more cameras, another 90 km of the OFC network will be required. The additional fibre infrastructure is estimated to cost Rs 17 crore, taking the total cost of the OFC component to around Rs 87 crore,” the official said. Officials said the installation of cameras is targeted for completion by March 2027, following which the integration of CCTV feeds, drone surveillance and data analytics platforms will be undertaken.
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Smart City officials said the expansion was approved following suggestions from the police administration. Authorities said the integrated surveillance system will enable real-time monitoring of crowd movement, traffic flow and security arrangements, helping agencies respond swiftly to emergencies and coordinate operations more effectively. Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority commissioner Shekhar Singh said the AI-enabled surveillance network would play a crucial role in managing crowds during the event. This will be particularly useful on Amrit Snan days, when the city witnesses the highest influx of pilgrims,” Singh said.
The project also includes the establishment of a modern data centre, integration of drone feeds and linking all surveillance systems with the Smart City’s command-and-control centres. The original plan did not include surveillance coverage at Sadhugram, newly developed ghats and inner parking areas. These locations have now been brought under the project considering their significance during the Kumbh Mela. The surveillance project is being supported by an extensive optical fibre network. “The system will generate alerts whenever crowd density begins to rise at any location, allowing authorities to immediately divert devotees or increase personnel deployment. Download the TOI App.