# Uttar Pradesh to Upgrade Prison Security With 676 INSAS Rifles and 58,795 Rounds of Ammunition

> The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared a proposal to acquire 676 INSAS rifles and 58,795 bullets worth around 14 crore rupees to strengthen security across state prisons.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Uttar Pradesh · **Published:** 2026-11-02 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-karagara-vibhaga-ko-milenge-nae-hathiyara-676-insas-raiphala-aura-58795-karatuson-ki-hogi-kharida-55296 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, Prison Security, INSAS Rifle, UP STF, Weapons Procurement, DRDO

Security arrangements across correctional facilities in Uttar Pradesh are set for a major upgrade with the planned acquisition of 676 advanced INSAS rifles. Alongside the firearms, authorities have sanctioned the procurement of 58,795 rounds of live ammunition dedicated to training drills and active duty requirements. The initiative forms part of the ongoing police and prison modernization drive led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, focusing on equipping prison wardens and supervisory personnel with reliable arms to maintain tighter vigilance inside detention facilities.

## Estimated Outlay of Nearly 14 Crore Rupees
The Department of Prison Administration and Reform Services has estimated the total financial outlay of this procurement at approximately 14 crore rupees. A formal proposal detailing the expenditure breakdown has been submitted to the state administration for execution. According to the budgetary allocations, procuring the 676 rifles will require roughly 13.5 crore rupees, while acquiring 58,795 cartridges will cost close to 30 lakh rupees. Together, the arms package represents an investment of around 14 crore rupees aimed at boosting tactical readiness and standardizing weapons handling among custodial staff.

## STF Entrusted to Coordinate Arms Procurement
Director General (DG) of Prison Administration and Reform Services P C Meena confirmed that the acquisition will be routed directly through the Special Task Force (STF) of the Uttar Pradesh Police. Under this procurement arrangement, the state will secure 5.56 mm SLR INSAS models. Channeling the purchase through the specialized tactical unit ensures that testing, ballistic specifications, and delivery protocols adhere strictly to high operational standards.

## Past Arms Acquisitions Over Recent Years
This initiative builds upon recent efforts to progressively replace older armaments across the state prison network. Over the preceding two years, the department had already purchased 254 INSAS rifles and 44,875 rounds of ammunition. The impending intake of 676 additional units will substantially expand arms density among perimeter guards, institutional gates, and specialized reaction units tasked with managing high-security compounds.

## Technical Specifications and Tactical Reach of INSAS
INSAS stands for Indian Small Arms System, an indigenously engineered 5.56 mm assault rifle platform. Designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with domestic ordnance factories, the system was originally conceived to meet infantry requirements for the Indian Armed Forces and central security formations. Technical evaluations from DRDO define it as a gas-operated, magazine-fed weapon recognized for its lightweight design and balanced handling. With an effective combat firing range of around 400 meters, the rifle delivers steady accuracy suitable for guarding large correctional facilities.

## What this means for you
Equipping correctional facilities with modern firearms reinforces overall institutional control and public safety across the state.

- **In Uttar Pradesh:** Deploying 676 modern INSAS rifles across state prisons will significantly tighten perimeter security and internal containment. Wardens and gate sentries will possess reliable firepower to manage high-risk compounds and deter security breaches.
- **For Prison Staff:** Allocating 58,795 cartridges for active drills ensures custodial wardens receive consistent practical training. Regular target practice with standard 5.56 mm platforms will improve tactical confidence during crisis scenarios.
- **Across Administration:** Procuring arms through the police STF maintains strict quality control and uniform specifications across law enforcement wings. This modernization step helps retire legacy armaments in favor of standardized national platforms.
- **For Public Order:** Tighter prison oversight curtails organized criminal syndicates from exploiting custodial vulnerabilities. Fortifying correctional barriers directly reduces systemic risks for surrounding communities.

## Why this happened
The upgrade was initiated to replace outdated hardware in correctional facilities and equip staff with modern, standardized defensive equipment.

- **Need for Modernization:** Phasing out legacy arms in favor of contemporary 5.56 mm systems gives custodial personnel improved firepower to manage modern security challenges. Equipping wardens with dependable rifles raises operational readiness.
- **Deficit in Firing Drills:** Routine weapons handling requires steady access to live munitions, prompting the department to bundle 58,795 cartridges into the purchase plan. Regular target drills directly raise defensive capability across correctional compounds.
- **Continuation of Upgrades:** Having acquired 254 INSAS rifles and 44,875 rounds over the past two years, the department is now scaling up its modernization roadmap. The current batch of 676 rifles meets broader operational requirements across regional facilities.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Which weapons is the Uttar Pradesh government purchasing for prison security?
The Uttar Pradesh prison department is procuring 676 indigenous 5.56 mm INSAS rifles along with 58,795 rounds of ammunition.

### 2. What is the estimated budget allocated for this procurement?
The total cost is around 14 crore rupees, comprising approximately 13.5 crore rupees for the rifles and 30 lakh rupees for cartridges.

### 3. Which agency is handling the procurement process?
Director General P C Meena confirmed that the purchase will be routed through the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF).

### 4. What is the effective combat range of an INSAS rifle?
According to DRDO, the gas-operated 5.56 mm INSAS assault rifle has an effective firing range of around 400 meters.

### 5. How many rifles did the prison department acquire over the last two years?
Over the preceding two years, the department purchased 254 INSAS rifles and 44,875 cartridges.

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