Drones to Guard Mumbai? Maharashtra’s Bold New Security Plan Explained
As part of a larger plan to combat new unconventional terror threats, Maharashtra Police is creating a new drone-use policy to improve security and surveillance throughout major cities, including Mumbai. The action coincides with the city’s 17th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks. Since then, the police force has gradually updated its tools, training, and response capabilities.
Internal evaluations over the years have suggested that novel and unpredictable strategies might be used in terror attacks in the future. State and local law enforcement have responded by increasing specialized training, modernizing weaponry, and implementing cutting-edge surveillance technologies. The police are currently developing a structured framework for the use of drones in high-security urban areas as part of this modernization, closely collaborating with central agencies.
Under the direction of central security agencies, the elite Force One unit created the initial blueprint for this policy. Dedicated drone units will be established within the police department, including in Mumbai, following implementation. Depending on the needs of the situation, these units are anticipated to be crucial to both urban surveillance and operations in Naxal-affected areas.
The government has stepped up coastal defense measures in response to previous terror attacks that took advantage of vulnerabilities along the coastline, such as the 26/11 attack and the 1993 serial blasts. Twenty more interceptors are already being ordered as part of the state police’s efforts to increase the number of patrol boats and interceptor boats in their fleet. Regular joint reviews to monitor and address possible threats in the Arabian Sea have also improved coordination between agencies like the police, Coast Guard, and Navy. Drones are being used for aerial surveillance, radar systems have been upgraded, and landing locations in Mumbai and neighboring coastal districts have been secured.
The urban security network in Mumbai has also been significantly improved. An extensive CCTV system now covers the entire city, allowing for quicker police response. With a budget of ₹2,140 crore, the government has approved the third phase of the CCTV expansion project. The first two phases installed more than 10,500 cameras, and the next phase will add almost 900 more. Real-time monitoring capabilities are being strengthened by adding facial recognition and AI-powered video analytics to current systems.
Mumbai is moving quickly toward becoming one of the world’s safest major cities in the upcoming years, according to state authorities, thanks to these combined efforts.
CEO, Mavdrones
Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.
