Even as the installation of CCTV cameras in select 500 buses operated by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will be completed by January-end, the corporation has sought funds from the Centre to install the CCTV cameras in its fleet of about 7,000 buses.
To ensure safety to its passengers, especially in the light of December 2012 gang-rape case in Delhi, the corporation had planned to install CCTV cameras in 500 buses.
“So far, we have installed CCTV cameras in 387 buses and the project would be completed by January-end. Since BMTC has plans to install CCTV cameras in all its buses, we have communicated to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for funds,” General Manager (Technical) C.G. Anand, told The Hindu.
He said that BMTC has sought funds under the Rs. 1,000-crore ‘Nirbhaya Fund’ announced in the 2013-2014 Union Budget for safety of women.
Installation of CCTV cameras in all buses is expected to cost between Rs. 45 crore and Rs. 49 crore.
The footages from the CCTV cameras are stored in a digital video recorder (DVR) that can retain the recording for 15 days.
Mr. Anand said that the BMTC has set up a watch committee to go through the footages when a complaint is received.
While CCTV cameras have been installed in select BMTC buses and movement of passengers and crew is being recorded, the corporation is yet to receive complaints to resolve which footages may be viewed.
“So far, we have received no complaint from anyone,” said Director (Security and Vigilance) G. Ramesh.
