The 8th edition of SAFE South India, India’s premier security and fire expo, organised by Informa Markets in India, concluded at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. The two-day event, took place on July 5 and July 6, 2024, offered a premier platform for showcasing leading Indian brands specialising in UAVs, drones, access control systems, security gates, digital video recorders, electronic locks, IoT devices, and more. SAFE South India 2024 showcased the rise in digital surveillance systems. Driven by safety demands in high-risk areas, the shift to IP cameras and IoT integration is propelling India’s Video Surveillance Systems market, projected to grow from USD 2.6 billion in 2024 to USD 7.4 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 14%.
The inaugural ceremony of SAFE South India 2024 was graced by the presence of Mr. Abhash Kumar, IPS, Director-General of Police, Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, Mr. Bandi Gangadhar, IPS, DCP-Traffic, Greater Chennai Police, Mr. Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar, President of The Tamil Chamber of Commerce; Mr. John Paul Manickam, Chair of OSAC Chennai Chapter; Mr. S.G.S. Manian, Chair of GACS Chennai Chapter; Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India; and Mr. Pankaj Jain, Senior Group Director & Digital Head of Informa Markets in India.
The expo welcomed over 4,000 visitors, including representatives from key sectors such as Manufacturing, Jewellery, BFSI, Outsourcing and Service Industry, Airport & Logistics, Construction, Automation, Automobiles, Real Estate, and System Integration, addressing the challenges and opportunities in the industrial safety and security sector. Over 120 brands, including industry leaders like Hikvision, Prama, ZKTeco, eSSL, Formigo, Realtime, Trassir, and TVT, are showcasing their latest products, services, and technologies.
Mr. Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar, President of The Tamil Chamber of Commerce, said “Today, advancements in Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and surveillance technologies are pivotal in enhancing safety and security measures against cyber and physical threats. These technologies play a crucial role in preventing damage to property and persons, and in enhancing police capabilities for crime prevention across domestic and industrial sectors. It is imperative for us to continually adopt new security technologies to safeguard trade and industry investments from unforeseen incidents.”
Mr. John Paul Manickam, Chair of OSAC Chennai Chapter, said “SAFE South India showcases ‘Make in India’ initiative by uniting leaders from security, safety, and cybersecurity sectors, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. This platform supports Chennai’s journey to becoming one of India’s safest cities, with gratitude to the Chennai Greater Police and fire services for their support. In the automotive sector, AI and automation promise transformative changes, necessitating concurrent advancements in road safety.”
Mr. P. Saravanan, District Fire Officer – South Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, said “Advancements in IoT and artificial intelligence are steadily enhancing security levels, crucial for safeguarding our industry’s investments against cyber threats. Tamil Nadu leads with the highest number of registered factories in India, surpassing even Maharashtra, driving a 20% annual growth in exhibitors.”
Mr. Bandi Gangadhar, IPS, DCP-Traffic, Greater Chennai Police, said “SAFE South India showcases Chennai’s vibrant ecosystem with nearly 65 companies, from established firms to dynamic Make in India startups, showcasing cutting-edge technologies in security and fire safety. As a police officer, the emphasis on the crucial role of technology in combating evolving crime trends is paramount. Platforms like this not only facilitate knowledge sharing but also foster collaborations that drive technological innovation for public safety. Tamil Nadu, known for its safety standards, owes this to the diligent efforts of the Greater Chennai Police and the vigilant public. Our state’s proactive stance, under the guidance of the Industries Department and the Honorable Chief Minister, continues to attract investments and create a conducive environment for businesses of all scales, from startups to multinational corporations.”
Mr. Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Private Limited, said “The security industry in 2024 is an exciting landscape that we are actively navigating to stay ahead. The Indian security market looks very promising with significant growth opportunities. As we embrace technological innovation, and adapt to evolving societal needs, we are witnessing the convergence of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data.”
Speaking on the 8th edition of SAFE South India, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “Smart surveillance is advancing rapidly with AI and IoT technologies in India. AI adoption is projected to grow at a 40% CAGR from 2020 to 2025, driving the market to an expected $8 billion by 2025. AI enhances biometric security, threat detection, behaviour analysis, and anomaly detection, crucial for crime prevention by identifying and addressing suspicious activities. Rapid infrastructural development and sector-specific reforms in education, BFSI, and SMEs along with a growing awareness of the benefits of digital surveillance, are driving the widespread adoption of these technologies.”
The growing demand for safe city projects across India reflects a nationwide commitment to public safety. Successful implementations of surveillance and smart city projects in various Indian cities pave the way for broader adoption of video surveillance systems. These systems, supported by central control rooms with high-end large video wall solutions, are crucial for detailed monitoring and swift response. Furthermore, emerging technologies in video analytics, biometrics, face recognition, and CCTV are playing an increasingly vital role in urban surveillance, ensuring a secure and intelligent infrastructure for the future.
SAFE South encompasses a wide range of trends and solutions in the realm of commercial security and surveillance, emphasizing preventive technologies and innovations specifically designed for the Southern India market.
