RCB proposes ₹4.5 crore AI surveillance shield for Chinnaswamy Stadium

Partnering with Indian tech firm Staqu, RCB aims to improve safety following a tragic stampede last June. They've proposed a large-scale AI surveillance network for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

After the stampede incident, RCB proposed INR 4.5 crore AI surveillance shield for Chinnaswamy Stadium

In a significant move to overhaul spectator safety, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has formally proposed the installation of a massive AI-enabled surveillance network at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The initiative, announced on Friday, follows a period of intense scrutiny regarding crowd management at the iconic venue. In a communication addressed to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the franchise outlined a plan to deploy 300 to 350 advanced AI cameras across the stadium premises. This technological upgrade aims to provide law enforcement and stadium authorities with unprecedented real-time oversight of matchday operations.

A tech-driven safety net

The proposed system is designed to address several critical areas of stadium administration:

The franchise has partnered with Staqu an Indian technology firm known for its work with various state police forces. Staqu’s proprietary facial recognition technology and intelligent object monitoring will serve as the backbone of the project, turning raw video feeds into actionable intelligence for faster decision-making.

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Redemption through innovation

The proposal comes at a pivotal time for the venue. Last June, a tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations claimed 11 lives, leading to a judicial inquiry that criticized the stadium’s infrastructure and previous crowd management protocols. Since then, the franchise has launched the "RCB Cares" initiative to prioritize fan welfare.

In a clear gesture of commitment to the city’s cricket fans, RCB has pledged to bear the entire one-time cost of the project, estimated at approximately ₹4.5 crore.

"The integration of this advanced technology will elevate crowd management standards and reinforce a safe, secure, and seamless matchday experience for all fans," the RCB stated in its release.

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While the KSCA is currently reviewing the proposal, the implementation of such a system is seen as a crucial step toward securing the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s future as a premier international venue. With IPL 2026 on the horizon, the focus remains firmly on ensuring that the "12th Man Army" can support their team in an environment that is as safe as it is electric.

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