We’ve made Delhi safer with cutting-edge surveillance systems: MASL CEO on smart city projects

- February 17, 2025
| By : Tahir Bhat |

Varinder Singh Jawanda talks about using AI to improve public safety and urban mobility systems, and about the next steps in tech

Varinder Singh Jawanda, Chief Executive Officer of MASL.

“We’ve integrated advanced technologies like facial recognition and license plate recognition to create a safer cityscape for Delhi,” says Varinder Singh Jawanda, Chief Executive Officer of MASL. The company’s efforts have redefined how technology supports public safety, setting new benchmarks for surveillance and urban mobility in one of India’s busiest cities.

From deploying surveillance solutions for the Delhi Police to modernising public transportation systems, MASL has partnered with government institutions to address some of the most pressing challenges in urban management. In an exclusive conversation with Patriot, Jawanda sheds light on the company’s role in shaping smarter, safer cities across India.

Enhancing public safety with technology

One of MASL’s most impactful collaborations has been with the Delhi Police, where the company deployed a comprehensive citywide surveillance system.

“We’ve established advanced video analytics, facial recognition systems (FRS), and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras to create a safer environment,” Jawanda notes. The project has had a transformative effect on policing in the city.

“The FRS database, which contains over 1 lakh criminal records, allows the police to monitor and identify offenders in real-time. Similarly, ALPR cameras enable swift action against suspicious or stolen vehicles, improving both preventative and responsive policing efforts,” he explains.

Privacy concerns are inevitable with such surveillance technologies, but Jawanda reassures that MASL takes these seriously. “We comply with regulations like the Indian IT Act and DPDP Act and employ advanced security measures such as role-based access controls and end-to-end encryption to ensure data protection,” he says.

Jawanda emphasises the importance of maintaining public trust while leveraging advanced technology. “We believe transparency and accountability are essential in today’s tech-driven world. That’s why we work hand in hand with technology providers to create solutions that not only unlock the potential of technology but also maintain public trust,” he concludes.

Modernising public transportation

MASL has also played a significant role in transforming Delhi’s public transportation system in collaboration with TCIL. The partnership introduced a robust public transportation management system equipped with modern safety and monitoring features.

“The Command and Control Centre (CCC) integrates live data from buses, enabling authorities to monitor operations and address emergencies swiftly,” Jawanda explains. The system also includes IP-based cameras, panic buttons, two-way communication systems, and automated vehicle tracking systems (AVTS) for enhanced commuter safety.

Implementing such a system in a city as complex as Delhi was not without its challenges. “The urban complexity of Delhi required solutions that could adapt dynamically to real-time challenges. Despite these hurdles, we built a scalable system that has improved response times and commuter safety,” Jawanda says.

AI-driven traffic management

MASL has been at the forefront of deploying AI-based traffic management systems to improve urban mobility in Delhi.

“AI is the backbone of modern traffic management, but deploying AI alone isn’t enough. Our systems are modular and scalable, designed to adapt to future technologies like 5G and electric vehicles,” Jawanda highlights.

These systems not only optimise traffic flow but also enhance safety. “Real-time monitoring tools provide actionable insights, while automatic incident detection enables authorities to respond proactively to accidents or hazards. This creates a safer and more efficient urban mobility ecosystem,” he adds.

Addressing integration challenges

Jawanda points out that implementing smart mobility solutions comes with its own set of challenges, including fragmented legacy systems, interoperability issues, and data privacy concerns.

“At MASL, we design integrated solutions that unify diverse technologies, ensuring continuity and scalability. We also adopt a proactive approach to regulatory development to foster innovation responsibly,” he says.

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Cost management and regulatory adaptability are equally critical. “Striking the right balance between innovation and cost efficiency is key to ensuring the success of smart mobility systems,” Jawanda adds.

Aligning with government policies

MASL’s solutions align with government policies focusing on security, inclusivity, and efficiency. The company works closely with policymakers to ensure its projects complement the broader vision for smart cities.

“We aim to be a partner that understands both the technological and political landscape, ensuring solutions are future-ready and adaptive to emerging needs,” Jawanda says. He also advocates for regulatory reforms to accelerate smart city development. “Streamlining regulations and encouraging public-private partnerships are essential to driving innovation,” he says.

Building future-ready cities

MASL is actively laying the groundwork for future smart city initiatives in Delhi and beyond. The company is focused on projects like smart roads, intelligent traffic management, and integrated urban infrastructure.

He highlighted MASL’s extensive experience, executing over 400 large-scale IT infrastructure projects across critical domains like defence, railways, and smart cities. “This expertise allows us to design transformative solutions that not only address current challenges but also anticipate the future needs of urban ecosystems,” Jawanda said.

“We’re committed to advancing sustainability through initiatives like smart metering and renewable energy solutions,” he added. Jawanda also emphasised MASL’s exploration of transformative technologies, including 5G-enabled smart cities, IoT-enabled infrastructure, and edge computing, to build resilient urban ecosystems.

Concluding the interview, he reiterated MASL’s vision for urban mobility in India. “The future demands bold, transformative action. Our goal is to create sustainable, thriving cities where mobility drives economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability,” he said.