Punjab Gears Up for 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur with Tight Security Measures

Chandigarh | November 13, 2025 – The Punjab Police have announced extensive security arrangements ahead of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, expected to draw lakhs of devotees to Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25. With the scale of the event being unprecedented, authorities are deploying advanced surveillance technology and manpower to ensure the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims.

Special Director General of Police (SDGP) Arpit Shukla, along with Special DGP Security Sudhanshu S Srivastava, conducted a detailed review of security and traffic arrangements in Anandpur Sahib on Thursday. They emphasized the importance of maintaining order while facilitating a safe and seamless experience for the devotees attending the commemorative ceremonies.

According to Shukla, approximately 10,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city under the supervision of an additional director general of police rank officer. The security framework includes seven Inspector General-level officers, deputy IGs, 22 commandants, 45 superintendents of police, and 94 deputy superintendents of police to manage law and order during the three-day event.

high-tech control room is being established, equipped with over 300 AI-enabled CCTV cameras with facial recognition capabilities, 10 PTZ cameras, and 25 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at all city entry and exit points. Seven drone teams will provide continuous aerial surveillance, offering real-time situational awareness and rapid response capabilities.

In an additional preventive measure, the police have integrated data on known offenders and snatchers in and around the Rupnagar district into the facial recognition system to deter potential criminal activity. Mounted police patrols and strategically positioned smart barricades will further strengthen on-ground security.

To streamline traffic and manage the influx of devotees, the Punjab Police have collaborated with IIT Ropar to scientifically map out 30 parking lots spanning 101 acres. A round-the-clock shuttle service will transport devotees between the parking areas, main event venues, and three tent cities with a combined capacity of 10,000 people. Additionally, a pedestrian walkway along the highway and 60 outer divergence points and checkpoints have been established to regulate vehicular movement and prevent congestion.

Eight helipads are being prepared to ensure smooth and secure arrivals of VVIP guests, while other logistical arrangements focus on crowd management and emergency preparedness. Authorities have highlighted that the combination of technology, manpower, and strategic planning is aimed at ensuring the anniversary celebrations are carried out in a safe and organized manner.

The Punjab Police have also advised devotees to follow safety instructions, cooperate with officials, and make use of designated parking and shuttle services to avoid congestion and delays. The state government, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, is taking every precaution to ensure that the historic observance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom reflects reverence and peace while safeguarding public welfare.

As preparations continue, officials stress that the event represents not only a spiritual commemoration but also a test of advanced security management, integrating technology and traditional policing to handle large-scale gatherings efficiently. The 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur is thus set to be a landmark occasion in Punjab, both for its religious significance and the sophisticated measures taken to ensure the safety of thousands of attendees.

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