Maharashtra Police are developing a comprehensive drone-use policy to bolster security and surveillance in Mumbai and other major cities, officials said on Wednesday. This initiative comes as part of the state’s efforts to prevent unconventional terror threats, particularly after the 17th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks.
The policy is being formulated by the state police’s elite commando unit, Force One, in coordination with central agencies. Once implemented, a dedicated drone unit will operate across key cities, with deployment schedules and locations determined by situational requirements. Drones will also enhance security in Naxal-affected regions.
Mumbai has significantly upgraded its police infrastructure since the 2008 terror attacks, where ten Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists targeted sites including the Taj and Oberoi hotels, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, killing 166 people. Enhanced training, modern weapons, and advanced technology now equip the city’s security forces to respond swiftly to potential threats.
Coastal security has also been strengthened. Besides patrolling boats and interceptors, the state has ordered 20 additional interceptor vessels. Coordination among the police, Coast Guard, and Navy ensures rapid responses in the Arabian Sea, mitigating risks of attacks via sea routes.
The city’s CCTV network continues to expand under the third phase of its installation project, with Rs 2,140 crore sanctioned to install 866 new cameras and upgrade existing systems with AI-powered video analytics and facial recognition technology. Officials assert that these measures, combined with drone surveillance, will make Mumbai one of the safest cities globally in the coming years.
