Public places including bus stations have always been a target of terror groups. In view of the security threat at public places, the intelligence bureau has directed Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) authorities to equip each major bus station with adequate number of CCTV surveillance cameras.
The BMTC has also been directed to beef up security at all major bus stations. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, BMTC managing director K.R. Srinivasa said, “The intelligence bureau has suggested that we place cameras at all major bus stations in Bengaluru. We are in the process of analyzing the proposal and the project will be taken up in a phased manner. We are not against the suggestion but since surveillance is very expensive, we will have to take up the project carefully.”
Vigilance officials at all major bus stations have been directed to report on the number of CCTVs required at each station. Kempegowda bus station, Jayanagar TTMC, Shivajinagar bus stand are a few of the identified stations that will have tight security measures. Passengers may also be frisked, metal detectors will be installed and there is also a proposal to have baggage scanners for checking luggage. However, BMTC authorities denied reports of having rotating CCTVs inside buses.
“It is practically impossible to equip each of the 6,500 buses in the BMTC fleet with cameras. The cost of the project will be too high and monitoring each of these cameras will become a difficult task. Our key focus now is to see whether we can equip all major bus stations with ample CCTV cameras,” added Mr. Srinivasa.