Claiming that all public transport buses will get free WiFi, CCTV cameras and GPS devices next year, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai kicked off a 30-day pilot project on Wednesday under which three companies have installed the three-in-one devices in six DTC buses on a trial basis.
Rai announced that a tender to install these devices in complete fleet of DTC and cluster buses will be floated by February 15 based on the results of the pilot project.
Earlier, transport department had installed CCTV cameras in 200 buses. But apparently due to cost issues, it has decided to start afresh. “In the earlier model, separate devices for WiFi, GPS and CCTV cameras were to be installed. But to reduce cost, we have now decided to have a single device that will provide all these services,” said Rai.
The trial has already begun and six buses have been operating with such devices on board for over two weeks, said Rai. Three companies — Airtel, Reliance and Bhoomi Infotech — are participating in the trial and have been given one month’s time to submit a proof of concept report by January 15. Transport Department, Delhi Dialogue Commission, DTC and I-T Department are coordinating the exercise.
“After the submission of proof of concept report by January 15, a tender to provide WiFi, CCTV cameras and GPS on all the DTC and cluster buses will be floated,” said Rai.
“This is the first step to fulfill our promise to provide free WiFi across the city and the feedback has been positive so far. Preparations are also going on to provide WiFi on different spots in the city as well the modalities of which will be finalised by March first week,” Rai added.