Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Franchise to bear ₹4.5 crore cost for 300–350 AI cameras after stampede incident
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has taken a significant step towards enhancing spectator safety and crowd management at its home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The franchise has sent a proposal to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), seeking permission to install 300 to 350 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based cameras inside the stadium.
According to RCB, the entire project is expected to cost around ₹4.5 crore, which will be fully borne by the franchise. The AI-enabled cameras will help monitor crowd movement in real time during matches. Continuous surveillance at entry and exit points will assist in preventing unauthorized access and enable swift action in case of any emergency situation.
The franchise believes that the use of advanced AI technology will significantly strengthen security arrangements for fans during matches. The system will be capable of identifying suspicious activities, sudden crowd surges and potential threats, allowing security agencies to respond promptly and effectively.
It is pertinent to note that last year, during the IPL trophy celebration, a stampede occurred outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in the death of 11 people. Following the tragic incident, all cricket-related activities at the stadium were suspended. The investigation report highlighted serious lapses in crowd management as a major cause of the tragedy and also held RCB responsible for the incident.
RCB’s latest initiative is being seen as an important step towards ensuring the safe conduct of future matches and rebuilding the confidence of spectators and authorities in the stadium’s security arrangements.