Nagpur: In a move aimed at strengthening patrolling and crowd management, the Nagpur City Policehas introduced five Segways (balancing scooters) for surveillance and patrolling in crowded market areas and around major lakes in the city.

The initiative has been launched under the guidance of Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal, Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar, Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy, Additional Commissioner of Police (North Division) Rajendra Dabhade, and with special efforts by DCP Zone 1 S Rushikesh Reddy.

The Segways have been provided with the support of MIHAN India Limited and the Nagpur Improvement Trust.

According to police officials, the five Segways will be deployed at key locations including the Sonegaon Lake area, Ambazari Lake and Futala Lake stretch, Sitabuldi Market, Tajbagh in Sakkardara, and the Itwari Market area under Tehsil police limits.

Police personnel assigned for Segway patrolling have already undergone special training for operating the vehicles.

Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal said the Segways would prove highly useful in crowded public areas and lake zones, particularly for maintaining law and order and preventing incidents such as suicides near lakes. He further stated that cameras would also be mounted on the personnel in the future to record visuals during patrolling operations.

Officials said announcements would be made through the Segways during patrols to regulate crowds gathering around lakes and busy market areas. The move is also expected to help police respond swiftly to crimes such as thefts, burglaries, and offences against women while improving overall surveillance in public spaces.

With the induction of Segways, the Nagpur Police has added another layer of modern technology to its policing and public safety operations.