Iron-Clad Security For Republic Day 2026: Delhi Under AI Surveillance

NEW DELHI — As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day today, Monday, January 26, 2026, the national capital has been placed under an unprecedented multi-layered security blanket. The Delhi Police has deployed over 30,000 personnel, transforming the New Delhi district and Kartavya Path into one of the most monitored zones in the world.

While military might marches on the ground, a silent digital grid is operating above, powered by advanced artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology.

1. High-Tech Debut: The AI Smart Glasses

The most significant addition to this year’s security is the rollout of indigenously developed AI Smart Glasses (by Indian startup AjnaLens), worn by officers stationed at entry gates and high-density zones.

• Real-Time Identification: These glasses act as “mobile CCTV cameras,” scanning faces in the crowd and matching them against a database of 65,000+ criminals and “anti-national” elements.
• Smart Alerts: Using a smartphone as a secondary monitor, the system displays a “Green Box” for safe individuals and a “Red Box” if a criminal match is found.
• Anti-Disguise Algorithms: The AI is trained to recognize faces even through masks, makeup, beards, or age progression (matching a recent face with a photo from 20-30 years ago).
• Thermal Scanning: Beyond faces, the glasses feature thermal imaging to detect concealed weapons or suspicious metal objects under clothing.

2. The Surveillance Grid

• Video Analytics: Over 3,000 CCTV cameras equipped with advanced video analytics and Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) are monitored by 150 personnel across 30 control rooms.
• Rooftop Security: Thousands of snipers have been positioned on rooftops across the New Delhi, North, and Central districts.
• Data Privacy: Officials have clarified that the AI glasses and FRS operate on standalone, encrypted systems not connected to the public internet, ensuring that sensitive data remains local and secure.

3. Public Advisory: Navigating Kartavya Path

If you are attending the parade today, please keep the following security protocols in mind:

• Identification: Ensure you are carrying your ticket and a valid government ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.).
• Banned Items: Mobile phones are generally permitted, but electronic items (ladders, coins, cameras), pens, lighters, and water bottles are strictly prohibited.
• Seating Channels: Enclosures are named after Indian rivers (e.g., Ganga, Yamuna). Follow the color-coded entry channels mentioned on your ticket to avoid the 3-layer security checkpoints’ delays.

Security Deployment: R-Day 2026 at a Glance