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For the first time, security forces will deploy AI-powered smart glasses during the 77th Republic Day Parade in 2026, as part of enhanced security measures announced by the Delhi Police. The initiative aims to strengthen real-time threat detection using advanced facial recognition and thermal imaging technologies connected to a criminal database.
Ahead of the national celebrations, Delhi Police confirmed that Indian-developed AI-enabled smart glasses will be used by officers on duty to monitor crowds and identify potential security threats. These wearable devices are designed to assist personnel in maintaining surveillance across high-density areas during the event.
How the AI smart glasses function
The AI-driven smart glasses are integrated with a live police database containing records of criminals, suspected offenders, and proclaimed offenders. Officers wearing the devices can instantly scan faces in crowded environments and receive immediate alerts if a match is detected.
When scanning individuals, the system displays a green indicator if no criminal record is found, while a red indicator appears if the person is flagged in the database.
Delhi Police Additional Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), Devesh Kumar Mahla, told PTI that the smart glasses are connected to police-issued mobile phones, allowing officers to securely access the criminal database on the move.
In an interview with DD News, Mahla explained that the facial recognition system is trained to identify individuals even if they attempt to disguise themselves using makeup, masks, caps, or facial hair. The system can also recognise faces from older photographs or images captured years earlier, regardless of changes in appearance or facial marks.
According to DD News, the facial recognition cameras and smart glasses operate independently without internet connectivity. Each device carries an encrypted database stored locally on the mobile phones linked to the glasses, ensuring data security.
In addition to facial recognition, the smart glasses are equipped with thermal scanning capabilities, which can help detect hidden weapons or suspicious objects among attendees.
Extensive security arrangements in place
As reported by PTI, Delhi Police have established a comprehensive security framework that includes multi-layer barricading and six layers of security checks and frisking. Thousands of CCTV cameras have been installed across the New Delhi area to monitor movement during the parade.
Authorities are also conducting mock security drills involving multiple agencies. Around 10,000 police personnel are expected to be deployed in New Delhi alone. Preventive measures such as tenant and domestic worker verification drives are also being carried out across the city.
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