The Delhi Government will install CCTV cameras, panic buttons and GPS in the existing 5,500 DTC and cluster buses, a decision regarding which was taken by the Cabinet on Thursday.
The new buses being inducted are already equipped with safety and security functions, while the existing DTC and cluster buses have been equipped with CCTV cameras, panic buttons and GPS-based Automatic Vehicle Location System.
Each bus will have three CCTV cameras, 10 panic buttons, and GPS locations and announcements will be made at bus stands for the visually impaired passengers, said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
“We have been trying to complete the tendering process in this regard for quite a long time. Three tenders failed in the last three-four years. Now the tendering process has been succeeded. The Cabinet has decided to issue the work award,” said Kejriwal.
“Under this project CCTVs, panic buttons (10 each in every bus) and GPS based Automatic Vehicle Location System will be installed in nearly 5500 DTC and cluster buses in Delhi. If anyone presses the panic button, immediately the control room will be alerted and help will be rendered,” said the Kejriwal while announcing about the initiative.
As per the officials, a centralised command room to control and monitor the entire system including panic buttons and CCTV cameras will be set up. “There are two major advantages to this project. First, CCTV cameras and panic buttons will help to prevent security threats and enhance women’s safety in buses. Secondly, commuters will get the location and expected time of arrival of the buses on a mobile app powered by GPS based Automatic Vehicle Location System. Earlier it was uncertain and almost difficult for the commuters to know about the schedule of the buses. Now that will be an old experience for the people of Delhi,” added Kejriwal.
About 100 buses will be installed with all these facilities by end of December. Further, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government has set up a target to complete the project within next six months, CCTV cameras and panic buttons in 5500 buses and to make the app-based Automatic Vehicle Location System fully functional. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 150 crore. “The App is almost completed. Once the entire system is put in place, information on buses - location, time of arrival and so on, will be displayed on the bus stops across the city”, said the CM. Besides, marshals have been deployed in buses for the safety, security to prevent criminal activities such as pick pocket, eve-teasing and molestations inside the bus.