The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has proposed setting up a data fusion centre in Delhi to connect facial recognition cameras at major airports with NATGRID, a government platform that integrates multiple databases for real-time access by security agencies. CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan announced the proposal on June 22 during the foundation-laying ceremony for the force’s new headquarters in New Delhi, aiming to enhance identification of fugitives and suspects.
The plan involves integrating facial recognition systems across all major airports in India, with feeds from approximately 150,000 CCTV cameras under CISF security cover being linked into a central system. These cameras cover airports and other critical infrastructure such as metro networks, ports, power plants, and government buildings. Reports indicate that the initial airports targeted for this integration include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, though some sources mention at least four airports: Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata.
This initiative aims to bolster national security by enabling real-time identification of individuals of interest through a centralized surveillance and intelligence network. NATGRID facilitates access to multiple government databases, allowing security agencies to cross-reference data quickly. The integration of facial recognition technology at key transit points aligns with broader efforts to enhance surveillance capabilities at critical infrastructure sites across the country.
The CISF’s proposal to link facial recognition cameras at major airports with NATGRID was confirmed on June 22, with the data fusion centre planned to be established in Delhi. This move could bring together feeds from around 1.5 lakh CCTV cameras under CISF’s security ambit into a unified system, marking a significant step in India’s surveillance infrastructure.