The first T20I between India and New Zealand is projected to draw around 45,000 fans to the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, which is sold out. The Nagpur Police Department has declared the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology to ensure foolproof security and smooth crowd management during the first T20I on January 21.
The caution is because of the Nagpur’s huge cricket following which has seen past incidents of crowd trouble. The city, with a population of over 30 lakh people already started making arrangements to accommodate the entertainment seeking crowd from across the country, forcing the authorities to resort to high-tech vigil and traffic control for the first time in any international cricket match held at its district.
Cameras and software powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will be used by Nagpur Police to keep a real-time watch on crowds across the Jamtha Stadium. Such technologies are able to identify faces, weapons and even behavioural patterns so the authorities can quickly spot what might be a potential threat. The cameras will be connected to the police’s criminal database, and if anyone who previously committed a crime is spotted in the crowd an alert can be raised.
This will help prevent bottlenecks and unnecessary congestion: Deputy Commissioner of Police
Lohit Matani, Deputy Commissioner of Police, revealed that artificial intelligence will also be utilized to detect sharp weapons, firearms, and suspicious movements. Furthermore, AI Inspector and Nirikshak technologies will help scan thousands of faces at once, considerably increasing surveillance efficiency.
Artificial intelligence will be used to better manage traffic and parking. The ’Parking Pal’ app will give minute by minute information on the free parking spaces and direct cars to a new zone as soon as an area is at capacity. Fans are advised to take public transportation (primarily Metro) during match day; there will be no auto traffic on routes leading up to the Stade de France to avoid congestion.
Incidentally India and New Zealand have faced each other 25 times in T20Is out of which India has won 14 and New Zealand 10 while one match was tied. India have a great home record at Nagpur but New Zealand are brimming with confidence and will draw strength from their recent ODI series win over India.
