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Railways to use Nirbhaya Fund for CCTVs at 900 stations

A railway official said, “CCTV cameras at railway stations have helped us a lot in the detection of crimes. The signboard reading ‘You are under watch’ has a preventive effect on criminal minds.”

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The Indian Railways will install CCTV cameras at more than 900 stations under the Nirbhaya Fund at an approved cost of Rs 500 crore to strengthen security at railway premises. The Railways plans to cover all Indian stations under the CCTV system in a phased manner. There are 7,500-odd railway stations, of which currently 344 stations are already equipped with CCTVs.

Apart from installing CCTV cameras, money from the fund will also be used to strengthen the Railways’ security control room. The project envisages the installation of cameras at platforms and waiting areas, while RPF personnel in control rooms will monitor the footage constantly. The station master will also be given access to monitor CCTV footage as part of the project being undertaken by the public transporter, an official said.

Another railway official said CCTV cameras have been effective in detecting crime and initiating prompt investigations in such cases.

Apart from stations, important trains like the Rajdhani Express are also to be covered under the plan. While Shaan-e-Punjab Express is under complete surveillance, some ladies’ compartments of the Mumbai suburban service are being covered under a pilot project. The Hamsafar Express, and the upcoming Tejas service, will also be equipped with CCTVs.

A railway official said, “CCTV cameras at railway stations have helped us a lot in the detection of crimes. The signboard reading ‘You are under watch’ has a preventive effect on criminal minds.”

Questions raised

Why is the Nirbhaya Fund being used for the installation of CCTV cameras at railway stations.
Is the Nirbhaya Fund being used for the installation of CCTV cameras because the fund has remained underutilised?
Using resources from the fund to install the cameras has been criticised by some women’s rights bodies and activists, who have said that merely installing CCTV cameras will not serve the purpose of protecting women. 

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