Chandigarh will receive 2,152 additional AI-enabled surveillance cameras from the Centre, Union home minister Amit Shah announced at Chandigarh Police’s 60th Raising Day and President’s Police Colour ceremony, significantly expanding the city’s existing security network.
Addressing police personnel at Chandigarh Police Lines in Sector 26 on Sunday, Shah said the new cameras would strengthen surveillance coverage, help monitor suspicious activities and support crime prevention. Chandigarh already has around 2,130 CCTV cameras installed across the city.
The announcement comes alongside claims of faster criminal justice processing in the Union territory following the implementation of the three new criminal laws. Shah said 8,206 first information reports had been registered in Chandigarh since August 4, 2024. Online chargesheets had been filed in 7,590 cases, or nearly 92.5% of the total, he said.
According to the figures cited by the home minister, Chandigarh Police has recorded an overall conviction rate of around 85%, with the average time taken to secure convictions standing at 140 days. In cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the conviction rate had reached 93%, Shah said.
The additional camera network is being provided by the Centre. Shah linked the expansion of surveillance technology with improved investigation and emergency response, saying the combination would strengthen public safety in Chandigarh. He said the force’s average emergency response time was four minutes, while quick response teams could reach a location in around 10 minutes.
The announcement also includes an expansion of the police vehicle fleet. Shah said 154 new vehicles had been added to Chandigarh Police in 2026 to improve patrolling, mobility and emergency response. Another 141 vehicles were announced for induction into the fleet.
Shah also praised Chandigarh Police’s campaign against drug trafficking and gangsters and expressed confidence that the city’s police force would become the first in the country to achieve a drug-free status. He urged personnel to prioritise action against drugs and protect young people from addiction.
The President’s Police Colour was presented to Chandigarh Police during the ceremony. Shah said the honour recognised six decades of discipline, dedication and service since the force was established in 1966. The announced camera and vehicle additions will form part of the next expansion of the city’s policing and emergency-response infrastructure.
