DTC to make secure travelling a reality soon

In a few months from now, you will be kept under constant surveillance through CCTV cameras while travelling in a DTC bus. You will also be checked by the bus staff with a metal detector for weapons.

In a few months from now, you will be kept under constant surveillance through CCTV cameras while travelling in a DTC bus. You will also be checked by the bus staff with a metal detector for weapons.

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With terror outfits keeping a close tab on places that are frequented by the masses, Delhi’s public transport system is one of the most vulnerable spots. While the 190km Metro network has been secured by manual as well as electronic surveillance system, DTC buses continue to be a vulnerable target.

Senior DTC officials said they are now working on a the state home department’s proposal to install CCTV cameras and metal detectors in its 6,500-strong fleet of buses.

Since their installation will have huge financial implications, home department officials said the DTC will have to arrange for the equipment on its own.

DTC chairman-cum-managing director Vijay Kumar Dev said they have taken up the proposal with transport department of Delhi government. “Once a policy is laid out and its financial implications are taken care of, we will involve all stakeholders including bus manufacturers to see how it can be made possible,” Dev said.

DTC officials say that human resources will also have to be arranged for to run the entire system smoothly. Officials said they will have to set up a back-end system where the feed from such large number of buses will not only have to be monitored but will also have to be stored for future reference.

DTC buses undertake 35,000-40,000 trips and carry more than 40 lakh passengers every day. The transport department has also launched cluster bus scheme, which will have 4,400 private buses running on 657 bus routes in next couple of years. These too would need installation of CCTV cameras and metal detectors.