Drones prove effective in identifying troublemakers and easing traffic flow during public gatherings
Hyderabad’s police department is set to expand its drone surveillance capabilities after successfully deploying the technology to monitor large gatherings and manage traffic flow across the city. The move comes as part of a broader effort to modernise crowd control and public safety mechanisms in one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres.
Currently, the city police operate two drones under their dedicated ‘Drone Wing’, but officials say that figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming months. The decision follows positive operational outcomes during major events such as Hanuman Jayanthi, Bonalu, Ganesh Visarjanam, Milad un Nabi, and Muharram processions.
“Drones help in closely monitoring gatherings and act as deterrence to troublemakers,” said an official from the Hyderabad police’s Information Technology cell. “If anyone creates trouble and tries to escape, his movements can be tracked from the air using a drone, which helps in apprehending them.”
The drones have also proven valuable in identifying individuals hiding in lanes and bylanes during protests or large rallies – locations that can be difficult to monitor with ground personnel alone.
During the recent Muharram procession, the police deployed six drones at strategic locations. Each drone team comprised two personnel – one operator and one assistant – who relayed aerial footage to supervising officers on the ground. The real-time surveillance enabled swift redressal of emerging situations, according to officials.
Training initiatives are already under way to equip more police personnel with drone operation skills. As part of its expansion strategy, the department is expected to induct additional drones and assign dedicated operators to manage increased demand during public events and daily operations.
Hyderabad’s traffic police are also exploring the use of drones to improve urban mobility. By monitoring congestion points and traffic build-up from the air, officers aim to identify and respond to jams more quickly, potentially easing movement across the city.
The growing reliance on drone technology marks a shift in how Indian law enforcement agencies are adapting to the demands of modern policing. Officials believe that the aerial perspective not only enhances operational efficiency but also strengthens deterrence, making public spaces safer during high-density gatherings.
