Mangalore City Police Launche The Bandobast App & Dashboard: This is Karnataka’s First-of-its-kind Initiative

The Mangalore City police have launched the Bandobast App and Dashboard, a robust digital solution that revolutionises event security planning and management (bandobast), which is probably, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Karnataka. The app streamlines the entire bandobast process like handling event permissions to real-time monitoring and post-event reporting/ analysis, making it smarter, more structured, and highly efficient. The app, developed under DCP Goyal, was built in collaboration with the Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management team, with assistant professor Harisha (CSE) and the InUnity team – Preetham, Sharath Naik, Sushant Wagmare, and Vinutha K.

DCP (law and order) Sidharth Goyal informed that the app brings together all aspects of police coordination including event approvals, manpower and resource allocation, inter-departmental communication, live updates, and detailed post-event reporting onto a single platform. The initiative earned national recognition, winning the FICCI Smart Policing Award 2025 in the Smart Police Station category at the 8th Annual Homeland Security Conference in Delhi, recently. It was selected from among 128 entries across the country.

One of the app’s standout features is its analytics and AI-based capabilities, enabling officers to assess deployment patterns, monitor staff working hours, analyse gender-wise workload, and access historical event data instantly. Officers no longer need to call their predecessors for information — everything is on the app, The app also provides graded access and pop-up alerts, replacing the need for external messaging platforms. Event details (festival, protest or VIP visit), including location, estimated crowd size and security requirements are entered. It then facilitates permission approvals and allocates personnel and resources like barricades, cameras, and fire engines. Deployment plans are generated, dividing officers into sectors for optimal coverage. A built-in chat system allows for real-time coordination, while senior officers can monitor deployments live and respond swiftly to any situation. Another key strength is post-event reporting. Officers can upload observations, reports, and videos, which help identify gaps and improve planning for future events. Hence all deployments and decisions are digitally recorded for review or audit.

For citizens, the result is well-organised events with minimal disruption to daily life, enhanced traffic management, and overall better security. The app is already being used to manage 40–45 events a week, making city policing more data-driven and outcome-oriented.