Patna: The Bihar government has announced plans to procure 50 drones at an estimated cost of Rs 24.5 crore to enhance aerial surveillance and strengthen law enforcement across the state. The initiative is part of the police modernisation programme, which aims to integrate advanced technology into policing and improve operational efficiency.
Deputy chief minister and home minister Samrat Choudhary said the process of purchasing the drone equipment has already begun. According to him, the use of drones will significantly improve the police’s ability to monitor activities, gather real-time information and respond more effectively to security challenges.
Officials said the drones will be used for a range of operations including crowd management during large public gatherings, crime surveillance, security monitoring in riverine areas and operations in sensitive locations. The technology is also expected to support disaster management efforts and assist police in areas that are difficult to access through conventional methods.
Choudhary noted that aerial monitoring through drones would enable police to track suspicious activities and identify potential threats more quickly. This could help authorities take timely action and improve overall public safety in both urban and remote regions.
He added that if necessary, the Bihar Police could also seek technical guidance from central armed forces such as the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to ensure the adoption of best practices and operational standards while implementing the drone surveillance system.
