Guwahati’s Smart City Initiative
Guwahati, Nov 13: The city is on the verge of a significant technological upgrade as the Guwahati Smart City Limited (GSCL) accelerates the implementation of the Intelligent City Surveillance System (ICSS). This extensive monitoring network aims to bolster public safety, enhance traffic management, and improve crowd control throughout the city.
The ICSS project, valued at Rs 177 crore, was initiated following the unsuccessful launch of the previous Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS), which remained unfinished.
GSCL has now transitioned to a more sophisticated system that utilizes advanced surveillance and analytics technology to better manage traffic congestion and public safety. The ICSS will be operated collaboratively by GSCL and the Assam Police.
This new system is anticipated to significantly enhance policing and administrative responses by facilitating quicker actions, assisting in investigations, deterring criminal activities and traffic violations, alleviating congestion, and aiding in disaster management.
Development of a Citywide Surveillance Network
Progress on the Rs 177-crore ICSS project is moving forward steadily. Mugdha Jyoti Dev Mahanta, Deputy Managing Director of GSCL, stated that the surveillance network will feature 2,000 CCTV cameras distributed throughout the Guwahati metropolitan area.
“The ICSS project will see the installation of 2,000 CCTV cameras, including 1,750 bullet cameras and 250 PTZ cameras. Approximately 1,000 cameras have already been set up in various locations across the city,” Mahanta noted.
He further elaborated on the project’s timeline, saying, “Work on the ICSS began in September of last year, and it is currently ongoing. We expect to complete the project in the upcoming year.”
Integration of Public Safety Systems
In addition to CCTV monitoring, the project encompasses various systems aimed at enhancing emergency response and real-time communication.
These systems include 20 Public Announcement System sound boxes, 20 Emergency Call Boxes for urgent reporting, 10 Variable Message Displays for traffic and public information, and environmental sensors to monitor air quality and other parameters.
The infrastructure will be supported by an Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) and four Viewing Centers that will serve as operational hubs.
Mahanta confirmed that the ICCC and a Disaster Recovery Center located at Khanapara are nearing completion.
“The Control Center team will oversee the city through CCTV footage and provide instructions to traffic police as necessary,” he explained.
The surveillance network will focus on high-crime areas, accident-prone zones, major traffic routes, and densely populated public spaces.
The system’s coverage will extend to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, excluding the National Highway segment that traverses the city.
Assam Police has already identified critical locations for the installation of CCTV and related equipment, and GSCL is executing the project according to this plan.
Many of these enhancements will leverage AI-driven analytics capable of identifying suspicious activities and generating immediate alerts.
