Exploring the Role of Drones for Crowd Monitoring & Security at Large Events

Various industries use drones to find solutions to complex challenges. Professional events benefit from the use of drones, which offer improved performance, enhanced security, and a more engaging experience. Developments in large events create increasing logistical requirements, accompanied by heightened safety requirements, while also improving attendee satisfaction expectations. The introduction of drones addresses such obstacles, which optimizes event management.

In contemporary times, drones are revolutionizing the security landscape, providing cutting-edge tools for enhancing safety at large-scale events. Whether a concert, sporting event, or conference, guaranteeing the security of the crowd requires efficient solutions. Here’s how drones enhance event security.

Drones in event security can provide aerial surveillance. At large events, traditional surveillance methods have blind spots or obstructed views. Drones equipped with high-definition (HD) cameras enable security personnel to monitor crowds, providing a comprehensive view of the venue. By unceasingly flying over the event, drones can detect unusual behaviour, crowd congestion, or security threats. This aerial perspective allows security teams to recognize and address issues promptly, averting them from escalating into serious incidents.

Drones have cutting-edge AI-powered systems that can detect irregularities in crowd behaviour. Whether it’s a fight, a medical emergency, or a suspicious person, drones can alert security personnel to respond. The capability to detect risks in real-time allows for a more rapid and efficient response.

Moreover, drones can be integrated with instantaneous communication systems, allowing security officers on the ground to obtain instantaneous alerts and visual updates from the aerial surveillance. This enables security teams to stay well-versed and respond proactively, thereby improving overall event safety.

Crowd control is crucial for event security, particularly at festivals or sports events where large crowds assemble. Drones can support directing crowds and offering guidance during high-traffic times, such as entry and exit points. With live aerial footage, drones can help recognize areas of overcrowding, allowing security teams to adjust crowd movement. This averts dangerous situations, for example, crowd surges, by redistributing attendees to less crowded places, guaranteeing everybody remains safe and comfortable.

By incorporating drones into our event security strategies, we can decrease the requirement for numerous ground-based security personnel, thereby lowering costs and enhancing efficiency. Drones can cover large areas rapidly, monitoring indoor and outdoor spaces, which would need several personnel to patrol. In an emergency, drones can also provide instantaneous footage of the situation, helping law enforcement make faster and more informed decisions.

While drones provide extraordinary benefits in event security, it’s significant to address privacy concerns. The drones have the latest data protection and encryption technologies to safeguard any video or data captured during the event.

The role of drones in improving event security is becoming important. By offering aerial surveillance, instantaneous alerts, and improved crowd management, drones deliver more effective and proactive security at large events.  With the evolution of technology, the incorporation of drones into event security strategies is expected to increase, providing event organizers and attendees with a more secure experience.

A mega sporting event is an occasion that attracts a large number of spectators to one or more venues. Mega sporting events require massive logistical and infrastructural support, as multiple media sources widely cover them. Mega events generate substantial revenue and have a profound impact on the local economy.

Instances of mega sports events are the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the UEFA Champions League.  These events have a lot of demand for entrance tickets and flights. Cybercriminals can target these events, as people view them, thus providing a platform in front of a large audience. Gaining a deep understanding of these events is a powerful strategy to minimize the likelihood of being a target of cyberattacks.

Cutting-edge technology played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth movement of a large number of pilgrims who gathered from across the globe for the Mahakumbh 2025.

UP Police organized 11 tethered drones and anti-drone systems to improve aerial surveillance and crowd management across the extensive mela grounds.

Tethered drones, connected to ground stations via cables, provide continuous power, allowing uninterrupted monitoring for up to 12 hours at a time. With the capability to rise to 120 metres and cover up to 3 km, these drones are revolutionizing surveillance.

With advanced thermal and infrared cameras, they provide real-time 4K footage featuring impressive zoom capabilities (36x optical and 8x digital) for enhanced operations.

The traffic directorate operated four such drones to accomplish vehicular flow. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) utilized three drones for cutting-edge threat detection.

Along with surveillance, three anti-drone systems were stationed at strategic locations to neutralize aerial threats. Two RF-based systems can detect rogue drones within an 8 km radius and jam their signals up to 2 km.

A RADAR offers improved capabilities, detecting unauthorized drones up to 15 km away and neutralizing them within 3 km.

A lot of unauthorized drones were neutralized, including six on Makar Sankranti. One of these attempts involved people attempting to enter a red zone but was speedily intercepted, underscoring the efficiency of the anti-drone systems.

With their advanced surveillance, crowd management, and threat neutralization competencies, these tethered drones and anti-drone systems redefined security at Mahakumbh 2025. As millions of devotees gather to seek spiritual solace, the UP Police guaranteed that their journey was safe, seamless and secure, with trailblazing technology leading the way.

Top Drones for Crowd Monitoring & Security

This drone can stay airborne for up to 55 minutes and features cutting-edge AI capabilities, as well as a triple-camera system. It is precisely designed for significant surveillance applications. Its IP45 rating guarantees sturdiness in harsh weather conditions.  The  DJI Matrice 300 RTK is Ideal for surveillance, crowd monitoring, and disaster response operations.  The cost of this drone is around Rs. 7,08,000 in India.

The DJI Phantom 4 RTK drone features a 20mp camera equipped with RTK technology for precise mapping and surveying. It provides a 30-minute flight time and intelligent flight modes. This drone is suitable for surveillance, infrastructure inspections and crowd monitoring in urban areas.  It costs around Rs. 6,90,000 in India.

 With a thermal camera, 56x hybrid zoom, and a 45-minute flight time, this drone is ideal for firefighting, search and rescue operations, and nighttime missions.  This features a compact design, obstacle avoidance, and automated route planning.  This drone is available at a rate of around 6,00,000 in India.

Developed in India by the DRDO, Netra is a lightweight drone designed for surveillance and reconnaissance. It provides instantaneous video transmission and can be particularly useful in challenging terrains.  It is used for crowd monitoring, anti-terrorist operations, and disaster management. The price of this drone ranges from ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh, based on the configuration and components.

 This drone has a 640×512 thermal imaging sensor and an 8K camera. The EVO II Dual 640T can hover in the air for approximately 40 minutes and features a robust obstacle avoidance system.  This drone can conduct surveillance in both day and night conditions, making it a top choice for security professionals. The price of this drone in India is somewhere around 6,50,000.

 Parrot Anafi USA drone boasts a 32x zoom, 4K HDR video, and thermal imaging capabilities, along with a compact design and a 32-minute flight time.  It can make its mark in conducting comprehensive inspections, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.  If you are looking to purchase this drone, it will cost approximately INR 1,25,000 in India.

 Regarding this drone, it is specifically designed for commercial applications, featuring a 4K camera, thermal imaging abilities, and a 28-minute flight time. Its six-rotor design offers stability and dependability.  The primary use case of this drone is for security missions, infrastructure inspections, and surveillance operations. The cost of this drone in the Indian market is INR 3,00,000.

Equipped with a high-performance thermal and electro-optical camera, this drone boasts a total flight time of 50 minutes. It is fortified with an advanced stabilization technology.  It can add tremendous value to search and rescue operations, low-light surveillance, and disaster response.  The total cost of this professional-grade drone is around INR 13,00,000.

The use of drones significantly adds value to crowd monitoring and safety at large events, as there is virtually no chance of a glitch. It has a positive impact on the demand for drone pilots, not just in India but worldwide. If you are also one of those who wish to become a drone pilot, then enrolling in a reputable drone pilot school, such as FlaponeAviation, is a must. Here, you will receive the best-in-class drone training at a reasonable cost. So, what are you waiting for? Come to us now.