Punjab Launches Safe City Project Expansion for Rs.16 Billion

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has announced an expansion of its Rs. 16 billion digital surveillance network, targeting 98 tehsils to enhance safety across the province. The initiative aims to install approximately 10,000 new surveillance cameras, broadening the scope of Safe City operations beyond major urban hubs. This expansion follows successful outcomes from the existing network, which reported a significant 70% reduction in serious and heinous crimes throughout Punjab.

Additionally, plans are underway to extend digital surveillance to 7,602 union councils, marking a substantial increase in the province's technology-based policing capabilities. Currently, Safe City operations are active in around 40 cities, complemented by 43 smart Safe City centers offering continuous surveillance and support to law enforcement agencies.

Over 24,000 high-definition cameras are already deployed across roads, markets, highways, and public areas in Punjab, utilizing more than a dozen AI systems such as automatic number plate recognition, facial recognition, and intelligent traffic management. These sophisticated systems scrutinize surveillance feeds, identify suspicious behaviors, detect stolen vehicles, monitor crime trends, and aid in pinpointing potential criminal hotspots.

Enhanced coordination between the PSCA, Crime Control Department (CCD), and district police has bolstered crime prevention, surveillance, and rapid response efforts. The provincial government intends to continue advancing technology-driven policing measures under the umbrella of its “Safe Punjab” initiative.