The Delhi government has initiated a phased removal of Chinese-made CCTV cameras from its surveillance network. This move targets approximately 1.4 lakh cameras, which account for 51 percent of the total 2.7 lakh cameras installed across the city. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma announced on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, that the decision aims to address significant national security and data privacy concerns associated with Chinese-origin hardware.
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Why is the government replacing these cameras?
The PWD Minister stated that the existing Hikvision cameras, installed between September 2020 and November 2022, pose risks to data security. The government plans to replace them with secure, trusted, and updated systems that offer a more robust supply chain. This action aligns with the nationwide ban on the sale of uncertified Chinese internet-connected CCTV cameras that became effective on April 1, 2026. The new regulations mandate that manufacturers must declare the country of origin for critical components like the System-on-Chip to ensure there is no unauthorized remote access.
How will the removal process work and what is the cost?
The replacement will happen in stages, starting with the approval to swap out an initial 50,000 Chinese cameras. While the shift ensures better security, it is expected to impact market prices. Reports indicate that consumer costs may rise by 15 percent to 20 percent due to the expenses involved in localization and sourcing alternative components. Despite this, domestic Indian brands like CP Plus, Qubo, and Sparsh are positioned to gain a larger market share as they comply with the new certification standards.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CCTV Network | 2.7 Lakh Cameras |
| Chinese Cameras to be Removed | 1.4 Lakh (51 percent) |
| Initial Replacement Phase | 50,000 Cameras |
| Nationwide Ban Effective Date | April 1, 2026 |
| Expected Price Increase | 15 to 20 percent |
| Key Manufacturer Affected | Hikvision |
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had previously introduced Essential Requirements norms in April 2024, providing a two-year window for this transition. Manufacturers who fail to get approval from the Standardization Testing and Quality Certification regime can no longer sell their products in India. The Delhi government is now focusing on Phase 2 of the installation project, which exclusively uses non-Chinese equipment to maintain a secure surveillance infrastructure.
