JOIN USCCTV cams in DTC buses
As part of a pilot project, the transport department and DTC are considering to install two CCTV cameras each, in 200 buses for passenger security.
The transport department officers said the project is part of a bigger plan, prepared after the December 2012 gang-rape in a moving bus, to increase security in public transport vehicles.
“Tenders for installation of the CCTVs have been floated. The work will pick up soon with the lifting of the election code,” said a transport department officer closely involved in the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) project.
DTC officers said they were yet to finalise details like the bus routes on which these cameras will be installed.
“Buses running during office hours and after sunset will be the preferred choice,” said an officer, adding that the final decision is yet to be taken.
“One thing that we are clear about at this stage is that the facility will be provided in both AC and non-AC buses,” he said.
The two cameras in a bus will be able to record all the activities in the vehicle and the recording will remain safe in the bus for at least 15 days, a transport officer said.
After 15 days, the recording’s back-up will be stored by the DTC authorities, he said.
The cameras will also help to keep an eye on pickpockets and ill-treatment of passengers, said the officer.
In cases of crimes in moving buses, police usually struggle to collect evidence. The electronic eyes will ensure that the culprits’ activities are captured on tape, he said.
After the DTC’s pilot project, the transport department plans to extend the CCTV facility to private cluster buses as well.
Soon after the Vasant Vihar gang-rape, the union road transport and highways ministry had also issued directions to the transport department to install CCTVs for safety of women. Other safety measures were also suggested in cities with population over 10 lakh.
Transport department officers said as part of the ambitious plan CCTVs have already been installed at bus stands by the home ministry.