Pune: This year, about 4.9 lakh warkaris took part in the annual Palkhi processions of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj, according to crowd data gathered through artificial intelligence. In a first-of-its-kind move, Pune police relied on AI-powered tools to regulate crowds and track the flow of devotees during the grand event.
Amitesh Kumar, Pune’s Police Commissioner, stated that AI was leveraged for better planning, execution, and crowd analysis. Given the substantial number of participants, AI-assisted monitoring played a key role alongside a significant police presence to maintain order.
Specialized cameras equipped with AI were set up along the Palkhi routes to count devotees and manage crowds. These systems detected approximately 2.95 lakh devotees in Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s Palkhi and 1.95 lakh in Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s procession. The AI system also kept tabs on vehicular movement, with the data showing 2,000 vehicles accompanying Sant Dnyaneshwar’s Palkhi and 600 with Sant Tukaram’s.
The Palkhis reached Pune city on Friday, with Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s dindi entering with 1.95 lakh devotees, followed by Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj’s with 2.95 lakh.
AI Cameras at Strategic Locations
Pune police installed AI-linked cameras at Narveer Tanajiwadi on Pune-Mumbai Road, Sancheti Hospital Junction, Shimla Office Chowk, Khandojibaba Chowk, and Laxmi Road. These cameras were set up especially for the Palkhi processions and provided real-time data on crowd density and flow at each checkpoint.
Commenting on the tech-enabled arrangements, Police Commissioner Kumar reiterated that AI technology greatly supported crowd regulation alongside traditional security measures, ensuring a safe and well-organized pilgrimage for all.
