The Delhi government’s plan to install CCTV cameras in all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses moved a step closer to reality after the Cabinet approved the proposal on Tuesday.
As per a government statement, the plan is to install CCTV cameras in all 6,350 buses in Delhi at an estimated cost of ₹140 crore by using the Nirbhaya Fund.
Key promise of AAP
One of the key promises of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the CCTV project is aimed at making public transportation safer, particularly for women.
According to government officials, the Union Women and Child Development Ministry, which is responsible for the Nirbhaya Fund, has agreed in-principle to fund the project.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said: “The Cabinet has taken an important decision towards a safe and secure environment for the public, especially women. This measure will impart a feeling of security to women using public transport.”
As part of a pilot project, there are currently 200 buses that have three CCTVs each. When the plan is completed, all buses will have three cameras as well as screens.
Daily footage from the cameras will be stored for 15 days at a control room, like it is being done for the pilot project.