Six WR trains to get CCTV in ladies coaches
By Alka Dhupkar
Six Western Railway suburban trains will get close circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the ladies coaches as part of the Indian Railways Passenger Facilitation Fortnight, beginning on May 26.
The 3-megapixel cameras with live streaming technology and recording facility for 30 days cost Rs 6.5 lakh per train.
The camera feed can be used as evidence if a crime is committed on board a running train. During the trial runs, however, it was found that the images and visuals generated on running trains were not stable due to a technical glitch, which was rectified. Later, WR found a technical solution to the problem.
The plan also covers incorporating these cameras in newly-manufactured trains at the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.
A senior railway official at the coach manufacturing unit said they are close to finalising four spots on suburban trains and about eight on outstation ones where the cameras can be strategically installed.
Most of these spots are near the exit/entry points so that both sides are covered. Other spots for installing cameras are in the passages of long-distance trains. In suburban trains, they would be installed in corners so that a long shot of the entire compartment can be captured.
Commuters on Central Railway are, however, unhappy with the move.
“Every new project begins on Western Railway. I have personally been writing letters to the Central Railway over the past few months and doing follow-ups, and what we get is this. What have CR commuters done to deserve this treatment? We plan to protest in when the railway minister attends the inauguration. CR commuters should be treated at par,” commuter-activist Vandana Sonawane said.
Six Western Railway suburban trains will get close circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the ladies coaches as part of the Indian Railways Passenger Facilitation Fortnight, beginning on May 26.
The 3-megapixel cameras with live streaming technology and recording facility for 30 days cost Rs 6.5 lakh per train.
Earlier this year, WR had embarked on the project to install CCTV cameras in the ladies compartments of four 12-car trains after attacks on women commuters during non-peak hours.
The camera feed can be used as evidence if a crime is committed on board a running train. During the trial runs, however, it was found that the images and visuals generated on running trains were not stable due to a technical glitch, which was rectified. Later, WR found a technical solution to the problem.
The plan also covers incorporating these cameras in newly-manufactured trains at the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.
A senior railway official at the coach manufacturing unit said they are close to finalising four spots on suburban trains and about eight on outstation ones where the cameras can be strategically installed.
Most of these spots are near the exit/entry points so that both sides are covered. Other spots for installing cameras are in the passages of long-distance trains. In suburban trains, they would be installed in corners so that a long shot of the entire compartment can be captured.
Commuters on Central Railway are, however, unhappy with the move.
“Every new project begins on Western Railway. I have personally been writing letters to the Central Railway over the past few months and doing follow-ups, and what we get is this. What have CR commuters done to deserve this treatment? We plan to protest in when the railway minister attends the inauguration. CR commuters should be treated at par,” commuter-activist Vandana Sonawane said.
