Indian Cities under threat
In July 2024, intelligence agencies uncovered a plot by ISI and Khalistani terrorists to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra, raising serious security concerns. Similarly, the 2008 Mumbai attacks indeed serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of urban terrorism. The attacks exposed significant vulnerabilities in India’s defences against urban terrorism, demonstrating an unprecedented level of sophistication by the perpetrators and highlighting inadequacies in the Indian policing system’s capacity to combat such assaults
Security Measures
India has adopted a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to strengthen urban security and counter terrorism capabilities. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) plays a central role in this framework, empowered to investigate and prosecute terrorism-related cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Legislative measures like UAPA and the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) facilitate seamless information sharing and preemptive action against individuals and organisations linked to terrorism. Technological integration has also been a key focus, with the deployment of facial recognition systems at major transit hubs and the establishment of Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCC) in smart cities to manage urban security through AI-driven analytics. Cybersecurity frameworks have been strengthened to address threats like cyber-terrorism targeting critical infrastructure.
In addition, India has prioritised infrastructure hardening by reinforcing key government buildings and public spaces with blast-resistant designs and enhancing security measures in public transport systems with metal detectors and baggage scanners. Rapid response teams, such as the National Security Guard (NSG) and Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), are stationed in urban centres, conducting mock drills to ensure readiness for emergencies. Special forces, including personnel from the NSG, CRPF and state police, receive advanced training in urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations. Crisis management cells have been established at district and city levels to ensure coordinated responses during emergencies.
International cooperation has also been a cornerstone of India’s strategy, with collaborations with countries like the USA and Israel for intelligence sharing and joint anti-terror drills, such as the Indo-US ‘Tarkash’ exercise, to enhance preparedness. Public awareness campaigns, including initiatives like “See Something, Say Something,” encourage citizens to report suspicious activities, while mock evacuation drills in schools, malls and offices prepare the public for emergencies. These measures collectively create a robust security framework to address the evolving nature of urban threats effectively.
Challenges
Urban sprawl significantly complicates surveillance efforts, making it difficult to monitor vast and densely populated areas effectively. Bureaucratic inefficiencies often delay decision-making and hinder the rapid deployment of resources during emergencies. Coordination among multiple agencies, including police, intelligence and specialised units like the NSG, remains a persistent challenge due to overlapping responsibilities and gaps in communication. Furthermore, limited public awareness about security protocols reduces community participation in counter-terrorism efforts. Infrastructure constraints, such as inadequate public transport security and the lack of blast-resistant designs in critical buildings, further exacerbate vulnerabilities in urban areas, leaving cities more susceptible to potential threats.
Role of Technology
Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing urban security, particularly through smart city initiatives that integrate advanced features like AI-based threat detection and automated emergency response systems. These systems are designed to identify potential risks, streamline incident responses and improve coordination among security agencies. Real-time data analytics further bolster decision-making during emergencies by providing actionable insights, enabling authorities to allocate resources efficiently. However, the effectiveness of these technological measures relies heavily on widespread adoption, seamless integration across urban infrastructures and regular updates to counter evolving threats. Ensuring cybersecurity and protecting sensitive data from breaches are equally critical to maintaining the reliability of these systems.
Securing urban centres requires a holistic approach combining technology, community engagement and inter-agency coordination. Proactive measures will be essential to thwart potential threats and ensure public safety.