Rapid urbanisation has brought significant public safety challenges to Indian cities, with rising crime rates and traffic accidents being key concerns. According to a research paper on ‘Urban Geography’, in 2021, of the total 160,699 recorded violent crimes committed, 16 per cent or 25,579 of them took place in metropolitan cities. Furthermore, an annual fatality of 1,55,600 (recorded as of 2021) on account of traffic violations indicate that road safety remains a critical issue.
Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches, and technology is playing a crucial role. Smart city solutions, leveraging IoT, AI, and data analytics, are making cities safer and more resilient by enabling quicker responses to emergencies and better management of complex urban systems. While traditional safety measures remain important, emerging technologies are transforming how cities manage everyday risks and large-scale emergencies, creating more robust and responsive urban environments.
Integrated Emergency Response Systems
A significant advancement in public safety is the development of Integrated Emergency Response Systems (IERS). These systems enable faster, coordinated responses to emergencies by streamlining communication and integrating real-time data sharing among services like fire departments, hospitals, and law enforcement.
For instance, during any natural disaster, IERS can integrate data from sensors, cameras, and GPS to provide a comprehensive view of the situation. Emergency responders can monitor affected areas and deploy resources optimally. In daily urban safety, these systems are equally important for efficiently managing large events, where real-time monitoring of crowd density and emergency vehicle routes can prevent incidents and improve response times.
Advanced traffic management and road safety
Smart technologies are playing a crucial role in improving road safety and managing urban traffic. Intelligent traffic management systems such as Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and Red-Light Violation Detection (RLVD), now use real-time data to optimise vehicle flow and detect potential hazards, helping to reduce congestion and accidents in cities. These solutions are addressing the complexities of urban traffic, making roads safer and more efficient.
Intelligent traffic lights use data from road sensors and cameras to adjust signals dynamically, ensuring smoother traffic flow. These systems also prioritise routes for emergency vehicles, helping them avoid delays. Additionally, real-time monitoring detects hazards such as accidents or bad weather, enabling authorities and drivers to respond quickly and prevent further issues. This combination of technologies effectively reduces congestion and enhances road safety.
Enhancing public spaces with smart sensors
Public spaces like parks, bus and train stations, and markets are vital to urban life, making safety a top priority. Smart sensors are increasingly being deployed in these areas not only to monitor environmental conditions but also to enhance disaster management efforts. These sensors track factors such as air quality, crowd density, temperature, and even rising water levels through flood sensors. This data allows authorities to take timely action when conditions become alarming. For instance, in a crowded public square, sensors can alert officials if the number of people exceeds safe limits, prompting swift management of the situation. In the case of potential flooding, flood sensors can trigger early warnings, enabling rapid evacuation and response measures.
Technology as the eyes and ears of public safety
Technology is playing a pivotal role in safeguarding communities across India, with law enforcement agencies adopting cutting-edge solutions to enhance security and investigative efficiency. Police departments in Karnataka and Kerala are leading the way with the implementation of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), streamlining the fingerprint matching process to accelerate criminal investigations and improve overall public safety.
In addition to AFIS, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered facial recognition cameras are transforming urban security by enabling real-time monitoring of public spaces. These advanced systems assist authorities in identifying individuals involved in criminal activities, all while ensuring citizen privacy is maintained. One of the standout features of this technology is its ability to provide critical assistance to women in distress. In emergency situations, the system can quickly detect potential threats and automatically dispatch help, making public spaces safer for all residents.
Furthermore, technological innovations are also improving passenger safety in public transportation. Real-time tracking systems, passenger information displays, and emergency panic buttons are now being integrated into public buses, allowing authorities to monitor bus movements, provide passengers with timely updates, and ensure immediate emergency response when needed. These advancements not only improve the reliability of public transport but also foster a safer, more secure experience for passengers.
The continued adoption of these technologies across law enforcement and transportation systems marks a significant step forward in creating safer, smarter communities that prioritise the well-being of citizens.
Unifying data and enhancing urban safety through Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCC)
At the core of modern urban safety initiatives is the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), a central hub where various technologies interact to address the challenges of rapid urbanisation. As cities face demand-supply gaps in essential services—such as water, waste management, energy, mobility, education, healthcare, and safety—the ICCC enables real-time, data-driven decisions and enhances situational awareness.
By aggregating data from diverse sources like traffic cameras, weather stations, and social media feeds, the ICCC provides actionable insights for decision-makers and facilitates collaboration among city departments during emergencies. This centralised approach minimises the need for several touchpoints, creating delays, and aligns efforts, enhancing response capabilities and reducing damage during disasters. Ultimately, the ICCC's ability to eliminate operational silos fosters efficiency and effectiveness in public safety management, contributing to improved living conditions for all residents.
Bridging the gap between technology and community
While technology is advancing public safety, its success relies on a framework grounded in trust, transparency, and collaboration. For these systems to be effective, cities must engage with local communities and explain how data is collected and used, building trust, and ensuring public support.
Collaboration between city authorities, technology providers, and residents is crucial. By fostering transparency about how smart technologies work and their benefits, cities can create an environment where these innovations are embraced. Moreover, policies that encourage local innovation—such as Atma Nirbhar Bharat, which promotes self-reliance in technology—are essential for the long-term success of these systems.
The path forward for public safety in smart cities
As cities evolve, technology’s role in public safety will become increasingly important. Systems like integrated emergency response platforms, intelligent traffic management, and smart sensors are proving their value in improving urban safety. However, these innovations need to be supported by policies that encourage local IP development and innovation.
India ranks 42nd out of 55 countries in the 2024 International IP Index, highlighting the need for a stronger intellectual property framework to drive innovation in key sectors like public safety. With an unchanged score of 38.64%, fostering collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector remains crucial for enhancing public safety systems and attracting global investment.
Public safety goes beyond emergency responses—it’s about creating cities that are resilient and forward-thinking. With the right technology and policies in place, cities can ensure that their residents are safer today and better protected in the future. As we move toward smarter cities, focusing on safety, trust, and innovation will be key to securing the future for all.
Kushwaha is general manager and head of the public safety & smart city business unit, NEC Corporation India.
