Security has been stepped up across India ahead of the 79th Independence Day celebrations, with Delhi implementing a multi-layered protection plan at the Red Fort that includes AI-powered surveillance, anti-drone measures, and the deployment of over 20,000 personnel.
The capital’s security setup involves Delhi Police, paramilitary forces, the National Security Guard (NSG), Special Protection Group (SPG), Military Intelligence, and other agencies. Advanced AI systems such as facial recognition, abandoned object detection, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), anti-intrusion cameras, and people-count cameras are now in place. Officials said the ANPR will flag suspicious vehicles, while the facial recognition system is linked to a database of 300,000 suspects.
Two special control rooms will monitor feeds from 426 of the more than 800 CCTV cameras installed at key points, while rooftop snipers and anti-drone systems add another layer of security. Access control at the Red Fort began 20 days in advance, with regular anti-sabotage checks.
Commercial vehicle entry into Delhi has been banned from 10 p.m. on August 14 until the conclusion of the celebrations. Traffic diversions are also in place on routes leading to the Red Fort and India Gate, with 3,000 traffic police personnel deployed. Around 25,000 attendees are expected at the Red Fort event.
Cyber patrolling has intensified, with police tracking social media accounts displaying firearms. In the Outer North district, nine suspects were arrested and multiple weapons recovered as part of a crackdown on criminal activity before Independence Day.
Security has also been bolstered in other parts of the country. Chandigarh has deployed over 2,000 personnel and set up pickets on borders with Punjab and Haryana. In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, police conducted a flag march, while in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora, BSF women personnel have been stationed along the LoC in Gurez. Mumbai police have increased vehicle checks, and Tripura’s Agartala has tightened its border security with additional checkpoints and intelligence teams.
Authorities nationwide have urged citizens to celebrate with enthusiasm, assuring that comprehensive measures are in place to ensure a safe and peaceful Independence Day.