Shan-e-Punjab has become country’s first CCTV-equipped train. The cameras have been installed in all coaches for security measures of passengers (mainly women travellers) along with helplines at many stations.
All 21 coaches (including ‘women only’ compartments) have about 122 installed surveillance cameras that cost Rs. 36 lakh. The installations have been done strategically at all doors ensuring passengers’ privacy (especially women) is given utmost importance, so any unpleasant incident can be traced in no time.
There’s an LCD screen in the guard’s compartment (the New Delhi-Amritsar Shan-e-Punjab Express) for him to be able to monitor CCTV footage and take prompt action incase of any mishap. It’s interesting to know that the footage of all coaches are being recorded on a portable device that can be retrieved by the security personnel whenever required.
As told by Suresh Prabhu, Railway Minister, this initiative was promised in the budget and has been a part of Railways’ efforts towards security of train travellers. Also, he said, a passenger’s security had always been a major concern, and thus the initiative. He flagged off the CCTV-equipped train from Amritsar and the whole ceremony was seen through video-conferencing in the national capital.
The aim of the railways is to have more CCTV-equipped trains, so that crime against women, thefts and other such incidents can be controlled.
If you are a Mumbaikar you will be glad to know that CCTV cameras have been installed in three coaches of a Mumbai suburban train on a pilot basis.
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