CCTV camera installation in DTC bus likely to be delayed

NEW DELHI: The CCTV installation project in the DTC buses is likely to get delayed as only two companies have come toward after the issuing of tenders. Sources said that out of estimated eight companies the government expected at least 5 would come. The government is working on the issue and ensured the work will not be stopped.

" We expected that at least five companies would come forward for the project but that does not happen. Till now only two companies have come. We will ensure that the project must not stall," said an official. He added that the minister will hold a review meeting soon to decide on the future steps.

The Delhi government on November 1 floated tenders for installing CCTV cameras, panic buttons and GPS in about 5,000 DTC and cluster buses, a move aimed at strengthening the safety of passengers, especially women. Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gahlot termed the move as a big step forward in making buses the "safest" public transport system in the country.

As per the request for proposal document, the initiative of installing internet protocol based CCTV cameras (three in each bus) will provide prompt integrated emergency services for public safety and security to all commuters. To achieve this objective, IP based cameras will be installed in 5,000 ( five per cent more or less) of DTC and cluster scheme buses, the proposal document said. Each bus will be equipped with four panic buttons, GPS, screens to telecast the output from the cameras, it said.

The video file in real time will be accessed from any location including the bus depots and command centre of the Transport department. Also, a two-way audio system will be installed that could be used for communication between the bus driver and the command centre as and when required, said the document. A pre-bid meeting will be held with interested parties on November 12, a senior Transport department official said.