Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront has seen a boost in surveillance with CCTV cameras now operational at 16 strategic junctions along both sides of the river, covering major routes from Danilimda to Shahibaug in the east and from Vadaj to Paldi in the west. Amdavadis are now under close watch, as those who fail to follow traffic rules—such as wearing helmets, stopping at red lights, and adhering to stop lines—face e-memos issued based on footage. This move reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to enhance road safety and streamline urban order, a step forward in ensuring both security and discipline in high-traffic areas.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), in collaboration with city police, launched this project as part of the broader Nirbhaya initiative, with authority over e-memos resting primarily with the police. These efforts are part of a larger Smart City plan, which aimed to install CCTV cameras across all city junctions. However, to date, only about 45% of this target has been achieved, with CCTV coverage present at 130 out of Ahmedabad’s 290 traffic signals. Such data underscores the challenge of achieving comprehensive surveillance, despite the steady progress in key areas.
Surveillance efforts in Ahmedabad have deep roots, beginning eight years ago with the installation of 6,500 CCTV cameras across the city under the Safe and Secure Ahmedabad (SASA) initiative. While this system previously had an annual maintenance budget of Rs 10 crore, a recent contract renewal has increased maintenance costs to an estimated Rs 17-20 crore per year. Despite these investments, no new CCTV cameras have been installed at traffic signals since the 2020-21 period, highlighting the need for renewed attention and resources to fully realise the city’s surveillance objectives.
From a sustainability perspective, the increased use of electronic surveillance highlights a shift towards efficient, tech-based solutions to urban management. By reducing the need for physical traffic enforcement, CCTV systems align with a more sustainable, less resource-intensive approach to city governance. This infrastructure not only reinforces safety but also streamlines civic operations, promoting sustainable urban growth while setting a precedent for other cities aiming to reduce environmental and manpower costs associated with law enforcement. As Ahmedabad moves towards enhanced digital oversight, the balance between security and sustainability continues to shape the future of its urban landscape.
