Delhi Police to Deploy AI Smart Glasses, Facial Recognition Tech for Republic Day 2026 Security

Law Notify : Ahead of the 2026 Republic Day celebrations, the Delhi Police is set to roll out AI-enabled smart glasses and upgraded facial recognition systems as part of a strengthened security framework across the national capital.

Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Kumar Mahala said the force is making full use of technology-driven tools to enhance surveillance and threat detection. He explained that all CCTV cameras deployed for Republic Day security will be integrated with video analytics and Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), allowing for quicker and more accurate identification of suspects.

For the first time during a Republic Day parade, selected police personnel will wear smart glasses along the parade route. These wearable devices will help officers monitor crowds in real time and flag potential threats instantly.

Mahala said the system uses multiple algorithms capable of identifying wanted individuals even if they attempt to alter their appearance. The technology can recognise faces despite disguises such as masks, caps, makeup, beards, or changes over time, including differences between decades-old photographs and recent images.

He also stressed that data security has been given priority. The FRS cameras and smart glasses will function on standalone systems that are not connected to the internet. Each device will operate with an encrypted database stored locally on mobile phones linked to the glasses, ensuring controlled and secure usage.

According to police officials, the smart glasses are fitted with built-in cameras connected to a mobile application and a database of nearly 65,000 criminals. The system scans faces in real time and immediately alerts officers if a person with a criminal record is detected.

The wearable devices also feature thermal scanning capabilities, which can help identify concealed weapons or suspicious objects carried by individuals attending the parade.

Alongside the technological measures, extensive physical security arrangements have been put in place. About 10,000 police personnel will be deployed in the New Delhi district, supported by more than 3,000 CCTV cameras and over 30 control rooms. Authorities will enforce three layers of security checks for pedestrians, along with similar screening protocols for vehicles. – ANI