Comprehensive infrastructure push to enhance Punjab Police efficiency
Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): In keeping with the commitment articulated under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, wide-ranging measures are being implemented to make policing in Punjab more efficient, accountable, and professional. Under a technology-driven Vision 2026, the Dial 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) is being comprehensively strengthened to ensure faster and more effective emergency responses across the state.
As part of this initiative, a dedicated Dial 112 Central Control Room building is to be established at an estimated cost of crore, while new emergency response vehicles are to be procured with an outlay of crore. Through these interventions, the average emergency response time is targeted to be reduced from the existing 12—13 minutes to 7—8 minutes. In parallel, district control rooms throughout Punjab are being upgraded with an investment of Q5 crore to ensure seamless coordination and swift incident management, directly contributing to faster response outcomes.
To reinforce border security under the second line of defence, the installation of 2,367 CCTV cameras at 585 locations along the international border has been approved at a cost of R49.58 crore. This enhanced surveillance grid is expected to significantly strengthen operational capabilities and real-time monitoring.
The Anti-Drone System (ADS) network is also being expanded. The number of active systems is being increased from the existing three to six, with an additional ten systems planned to be procured in a phased manner. Drone Response Teams (DRTs) have already been deployed and, in the coming year, coordinated operations are to be undertaken in collaboration with members of Village Defence Committees (VDCs).
Over the past three years, expenditure exceeding 000 crore has been incurred on the modernisation of the Punjab Police. As part of this drive, new vehicles have been provided to all field-level officers of SP rank, while police stations and police posts across the state have also been equipped with new vehicles.
A mega police infrastructure project valued at crore has been approved for execution over the next three years. This includes the construction of a new Cyber Crime Division headquarters at Phase-4, Mohali, establishment of new police lines in Nawanshahr and Malerkotla districts, and construction of 11 new police station buildings. In addition, new ANT F range offices are to be opened in Ludhiana, Ferozepur, and Jalandhar, while existing offices are being upgraded with modern equipment and advanced forensic tools.
In alignment with the new criminal laws, a Witness Protection Scheme has already been notified by the Punjab Government, a move expected to contribute to improved conviction rates. To support increasing digital workloads, network connectivity at all police stations is being upgraded from 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
Technological capabilities have been further enhanced through the Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS 2.0), which now incorporates voice analysis and other advanced features. Alongside this, the Organized Crime Information System (OCIS) is being upgraded to streamline crime record management and data integration.
In addition, focused action is to be taken against travel agents found to be facilitating or assisting organised criminals in obtaining passports using fake or forged credentials, reinforcing the state's resolve to dismantle organised crime networks through strict enforcement and technological intervention.