Closed-door buses too may have CCTV cameras soon

The transport department is considering advising the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) Limited to fix CCTV cameras in closed-door buses.

This is in the wake of the >Delhi rape incident and the recent rapes reported in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The Karnataka government has already announced that it will be installing CCTV cameras in the buses.

Such cameras are already fixed in the 100-odd air-conditioned buses in Chennai. Many commuters feel that the same should be the case with all the buses with closed doors.

They feel that this will not only reduce crimes against women, but also help identify pickpockets and those involved in chain snatching and other crimes. “The officials can also monitor footboard travel in buses with closed doors. It will be a boon for women who return home late at night. Besides, they can also check if the buses are properly cleaned and maintained,” said T. Ravikumar, president of All India Rail and Bus Passengers Association.

He said that the only problem will be in ensuring that the cameras are not stolen. “The cameras also have to be maintained properly,” he said. Transport department sources also feel that the drivers and conductors should be trained in maintaining the cameras.