Enhancing their surveillance capabilities, the city police have introduced a state-of-the-art tethered drone — the Mars T6 — for security monitoring across key locations. Unlike conventional drones, the Mars T6 is a stationary, tethered system that delivers powerful aerial surveillance with unmatched clarity.

The drone’s standout feature is its impressive visual range — it can monitor up to 5 km with crystal-clear visuals across a 3 km radius. Named for its six-propeller design, the Mars T6 has been provided by the State government to bolster security infrastructure.

Commissioner of Police Shankabrata Bagchi said the drone operates on direct power and can also run on a generator if required. “Once deployed, the Mars T6 can operate continuously for six to eight hours. It offers exceptionally clear visuals and is equipped with night vision,” he said. The drone is also fitted with a public address system that allows the police to issue alerts or warnings using sirens.

Currently, the Mars T6 is being deployed along the Beach Road stretch from Bheemunipatnam to the Naval Coastal Battery (NCB), where it is aiding police in real-time surveillance. Officials noted that the enhanced monitoring has helped deter and respond to incidents such as open alcohol consumption, ganja use, suicide attempts, drownings, bike racing, and other unlawful or anti-social activities.

In addition to the Mars T6, the city police are already operating 14 drone cameras across various police stations. These drones have proven effective not only in managing crowds and monitoring traffic during major events, but also in patrolling remote and inaccessible areas — particularly in suburban and rural zones such as Pendurthi, Anandapuram, Bheemunipatnam, and Padmanabham.

Recently, the Pendurthi police used drone surveillance to track activity in isolated areas, leading to the arrest of several individuals involved in ganja consumption. Some of the drone footage even went viral on social media. Officials believe that the Mars T6 will be a game-changer, particularly during large public gatherings and VIP visits, by providing an additional layer of security and real-time monitoring capabilities.