Lucknow police recently introduced a state-of-the-art mobile drone vehicle (MDV) to their fleet, which was put into action for the first time during an IPL match held on Saturday. The Lucknow traffic department showcased videos of the MDV stationed at the Ahimamau intersection, effectively monitoring traffic around the stadium and other key areas. Apart from managing traffic flow, the drone was also utilized for surveillance on suspicious individuals in the vicinity, as per police reports.
The drone integrated into the MDV boasts an impressive 10-hour flight capacity, a significant upgrade from the standard drones that typically operate for only 15-20 minutes at a stretch. Developed by the city-based Robotic company Roboz, led by robotics expert Milind Raj, this initiative is supported by the Goenka Group under their corporate social responsibility program. The vehicle is equipped with a system ensuring continuous drone surveillance, with power supply facilitated through a wire and a generator within the vehicle.
Joint Commissioner of Police, Upendra Kumar Agarwal, highlighted the advanced features of the MDV, mentioning a 32-inch screen in the vehicle aiding the monitoring team in analyzing the captured images. The drone’s extended range of 70 feet offers enhanced surveillance capabilities compared to conventional drones limited to a maximum height of 20 feet. Raj emphasized the significance of this technology in bolstering security measures during sensitive events, a pioneering step by including such MDVs in the Indian police department.
Agarwal elaborated on the utility of the drone system, which can be synchronized with police databases to cross-check criminal records and conduct preliminary scans for potential threats at public gatherings. The MDV’s versatility extends to managing traffic congestions, as it can swiftly investigate the root cause of jams without necessitating manual intervention from traffic officers, as mentioned by the JCP. The introduction of MDVs marks a progressive move towards leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhancing public safety and security measures in the region.
