Hyderabad, 2 August
Hyderabad Bonalu Gets AI Upgrade: Police Launch Smart Crowd Management System
In a first for the city, the Hyderabad AI Crowd Management System has been introduced by the Hyderabad City Police to strengthen security and ensure the smooth movement of devotees during the annual Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu festival in Secunderabad.
The advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered system was officially deployed on Sunday, August 2, as part of the police department’s extensive security arrangements for one of Telangana’s biggest religious celebrations.
AI-Based Monitoring Introduced for Bonalu Festival
The Hyderabad AI Crowd Management System has been installed at the Mahankali Police Station, where Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar inspected the newly established AI-enabled facility and reviewed its operational capabilities.
During the inspection, the Commissioner interacted with police officials and examined how the AI platform will assist officers in monitoring crowd movement, identifying congestion, and improving overall security during the Bonalu festivities.
According to Hyderabad Police, the system enables real-time surveillance, allowing authorities to track crowd density and respond quickly to any developing situation.
Real-Time Crowd Monitoring to Enhance Safety
The newly launched Hyderabad AI Crowd Management System is designed to improve crowd control during peak festival hours when thousands of devotees gather at the Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple.
Police officials said the AI-powered technology will continuously monitor crowd movement, helping officers regulate the flow of devotees, prevent overcrowding, and respond rapidly to emergencies if required.
By analysing live video feeds and crowd patterns, the system supports better decision-making and allows security personnel to take timely preventive measures.
AI to Support Traditional Policing
Officials clarified that the Hyderabad AI Crowd Management System is intended to complement, not replace, conventional policing methods.
The AI platform will work alongside on-ground police personnel, enabling faster coordination and more effective deployment of security teams across the festival area.
Authorities believe the integration of artificial intelligence into public event management will improve operational efficiency and enhance the overall safety of devotees attending the celebrations.
Senior Officials Review the AI Facility
Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar reviewed the system’s monitoring features, operational performance, and its role in assisting police personnel during large public gatherings.
Senior officers present during the inspection included:
- M. Srinivasulu
- Rakshitha K. Murthy
- Vaibhav Gaikwad Raghunath
- Chaitanya Kumar
The officials discussed the implementation of the AI-based monitoring system and assessed its readiness for managing the heavy rush expected during the Bonalu festival.
Part of Elaborate Bonalu Security Arrangements
The deployment of the Hyderabad AI Crowd Management System forms an important part of the Hyderabad Police’s elaborate bandobast arrangements for Bonalu 2026.
Every year, the Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Bonalu festival attracts thousands of devotees from across Telangana and neighbouring states. With the introduction of AI-assisted surveillance, Hyderabad Police aim to ensure smoother crowd movement, improve emergency response, and provide a safer environment for devotees participating in the celebrations.
The initiative also reflects the city’s growing adoption of smart technologies to strengthen public safety and improve the management of large-scale religious and cultural events.