Delhi to phase out Chinese CCTV cameras over security concerns

More than half of Delhi’s CCTV surveillance network comprises Chinese-origin cameras, prompting the state government to initiate a phased replacement citing national security concerns.

Public Works Department (PWD) minister Parvesh Verma said on Wednesday that cameras sourced from Chinese firm Hikvision will be gradually removed and replaced across the city.

Delhi has over 2.7 lakh CCTV cameras installed by the PWD. Of these, around 1.4 lakh cameras set up during Phase 1 (September 2020 to November 2022) are Chinese-made, while the remaining cameras installed in Phase 2 (June 2025 to March 2026) are from non-Chinese sources.


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Phased replacement, upgrade planned

The government has approved the replacement of an initial 50,000 Chinese cameras, with officials also looking to rationalise and upgrade the broader surveillance network. Verma said the transition will be carried out in phases to avoid any disruption.

He added that the new systems will be “secure, trusted and updated”, with stronger technical standards and support infrastructure.

Political sparring over security concerns

Flagging concerns around data security and surveillance, Verma criticised the earlier AAP government’s decision to procure the cameras. “Surveillance infrastructure is not just about visibility, it is about control over sensitive data,” he said, adding that such large-scale deployment involves critical national security considerations.

The move has triggered a political exchange, with the BJP-led government accusing the previous administration of overlooking long-term risks, while the AAP questioned the rationale behind the decision.

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An AAP functionary said Hikvision cameras are already deployed in several central government projects, including the metro, and asked why no nationwide ban has been imposed if there are genuine security concerns. The party alleged the move could be a pretext to award fresh contracts.

No ban at time of procurement

At the time of procurement, there was no restriction on purchasing Chinese-made CCTV cameras. However, recent central government guidelines bar fresh procurement from Chinese firms and effectively restrict them from selling internet-connected surveillance systems in India.

(With inputs from TOI)