Pune, August 8
In a major push toward modernising Pune's law enforcement system, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday inaugurated several critical infrastructure and surveillance projects under the Pune City Police Commissionerate. CM Fadnavis also laid foundation stones for new police stations and unveiled a cutting-edge integrated command and control centre.
At the event held at Shivajinagar Police Headquarters, CM Fadnavis announced the approval of five new police stations at Lohgaon, Laxminagar, Narhe, Manjri, and Yewalewadi. The Chief Minister said these stations would soon get the green light, along with the recruitment of 1,000 additional personnel to strengthen policing in the rapidly expanding city.
"A comprehensive structural reform of the police force is underway for the first time in 60 years. We are setting up specialised units such as Narcotics and Forensics. The government remains committed to fully supporting police modernisation," said Fadnavis.
During the event, CM Fadnavis made several key announcements for Pune Police, including the approval of five new police stations, a proposal to recruit 1,000 new police personnel for these stations, and the sanctioning of two new Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) for Pune. The government has already approved seven new police stations in Pune, a first for any city in Maharashtra.
Pune's rapid expansion demands enhanced law-and-order infrastructure and smarter policing, the CM added.
CM also launched a High-Tech Surveillance and Command centre, the 'Drishti' Integrated Command and Control Centre, calling it one of the most advanced CCTV-based surveillance systems in the country. "This AI-enabled surveillance system will allow real-time traffic and crime monitoring. Criminals won't be able to hide from police anymore," he said.
This surveillance network includes 2,800 new CCTV cameras across the city, Automated alerts for camera malfunctions with 24-hour repair guarantees, Public Address Systems being installed at busy junctions, Introduction of 5 mobile command and control vans equipped with drones, functioning as mini-commissionerates during emergencies or disasters.
Fadnavis also announced plans for a satellite-powered Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS). The ITMS will sync with traffic signals to optimize flow and reduce congestion, AI-backed monitoring will be implemented across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and PMRDA regions, the system will support diversion planning and real-time incident response.
Commending Pune Police for their proactive efforts in the anti-drug campaign, Fadnavis emphasised continued vigilance on drugs, "The anti-narcotics drive will continue with full force. Pune Police have set a good example, and we want this momentum to continue."
He also praised the city police for introducing reform programs for juvenile delinquents and called on the department to suggest legal amendments to improve juvenile justice mechanisms.
During the event, CM Fadnavis also inaugurated the newly built Chandan Nagar Police Station, laid the foundation for new police stations being built in Loni Kalbhor, Nanded City, Kharadi, and Kondhwa, and also launched drone surveillance, mobile command vans, and the ITMS project.
CM also felicitated police officials who used CCTV systems to trace and safely rescue a missing two-year-old girl, Komal Kale, from Katraj and solve the infamous Kondhwa Rape case.
The event was attended by Minister Chandrakant Patil and others, senior officials like DGP Rashmi Shukla, Additional CS (Home) Iqbal Singh Chahal, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Vinay Kumar Choube, and District Collector Jitendra Dudi, along with Pune CP Amitesh Kumar.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an expat living in Kharadi, I'm relieved to hear about these upgrades. The drone surveillance sounds futuristic but I wonder about privacy implications? Otherwise great initiative for a growing city.
Good steps but will the new recruits be properly trained? Many times we see police lacking sensitivity in handling cases. Also hope they allocate women officers proportionately in these new stations.
The ITMS is much needed! Pune's traffic is becoming unbearable. If this can reduce even 20% congestion, it will be a big relief for daily commuters like me. Hope they implement it properly unlike the half-done BRTS project.
Appreciate the focus on juvenile justice reforms. Many young offenders just need guidance, not punishment. But will these programs reach smaller towns around Pune too? The drug problem is everywhere now 😔
The 24-hour repair guarantee for CCTV cameras sounds ambitious. In my experience, government tech projects often fail due to poor maintenance. Hope they have proper SLAs with vendors this time.
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