In a major technological upgrade, Ahmedabad Police will deploy 40 AI-powered drones during this year’s Jagannath Rathyatra to enhance security and manage the large crowds expected at the centuries-old religious procession.
The drone fleet includes 38 Maverick drones, each with a flight time of about 45 minutes under favorable conditions. Backup batteries have been arranged to ensure continuous coverage of the entire route—from the Jagannath temple in Jamalpur to Saraspur and back.
Two tethered drones, connected to ground power sources for uninterrupted operation, will be positioned at key congestion points—one near the Jagannath temple gate and the other in Saraspur, where large gatherings are anticipated.
Each drone is equipped not only with high-definition surveillance cameras but also public announcement systems to deliver real-time updates, safety advisories, and emergency messages to devotees along the route.
In addition, the city’s broader surveillance network includes AI-integrated CCTV cameras at nearly 40 locations. These systems can count crowds and vehicles, monitor traffic, and detect any suspicious activity, enabling quick response and improved crowd control.
To prevent unauthorized drone activity over sensitive zones, the police will also deploy an anti-drone system capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing rogue drones.
Officials said, that integrating artificial intelligence with surveillance marks a major step forward in ensuring safety during large public events. With thousands of personnel on the ground and real-time aerial monitoring, the city is preparing for a safe, peaceful, and well-managed Rathyatra.