Metro begins installing more cameras at stations

The Delhi Metro has begun installing around 1,000 surveillance cameras on the station premises.

The Delhi Metro has begun installing around 1,000 surveillance cameras on the station premises.

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The move, prompted by a reported rise in crime at Metro stations, is aimed at adding teeth to the utility’s security set-up that already boasts of around 5,000 surveillance cameras.

The Delhi Metro started the process of installation after a request from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which is responsible for the safety and security of commuters at stations.

The utility had issued orders for the installation of the cameras at 134 stations around a fortnight ago, CISF officers said. “The process of installing a total of 990 cameras has begun and will be completed by the end of the year,” said an official.

“There has been a recent spike in commuter numbers and incidents of crime such as cheating, snatching and thefts. A number of such thefts were detected with the help of surveillance cameras. Keeping in view the safety of commuters, we felt the number of cameras at Metro stations should be increased. The parking areas and the uncovered areas in the platform are highly vulnerable,” said Hemendra Kumar, spokesperson, CISF.

The CISF will improve its dedicated camera-monitoring unit once the ministry of home affairs sanctions an additional force of about 4,000 personnel, which is likely soon.

The force has made the demand for a software-based “video analytic system”, whichcan alert security personnel whenever any suspicious person or unattended objects.