Title - PMPML pushes for CCTVs at four major bus stands

PMPML pushes for CCTVs at four major bus stands
MANOJ MORE
Posted: Aug 05, 2012 at 0256 hrs IST

Transport utility to create awareness about unclaimed bags
Rlys also in process of upgrading security system at station

The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has decided to get CCTV cameras installed on priority at the city's four most crowded bus stands. The PMPML has also decided to pitch in by creating awareness among commuters about abandoned bags.

PMPML spokesperson Deepak Pardeshi said the PMPML plans to install CCTV cameras at the bus stand near PMC headquarters, at Deccan, Swargate and Pune station bus stands. "As the four bus stands are heavily crowded through the day, we plan to put the cameras there on priority. After this, we would seek permission to put CCTV cameras at other bus stands like Katraj bus stand," he said.

PMPML officials said the CCTVs will not only help identity suspected bomb planters, but it will also help in nabbing pick-pockets and other trouble-makers. The Deccan bus stand on J M Road is not very far from PMC headquarters. Both are highly crowded till late evening. The Swargate and Pune station bus stands are no different.

However, the PMPML officials said they were expecting that PMC will install the CCTV cameras for them. "Since PMC is installing CCTV cameras and monitoring them with the help of the police, we are looking at them to help us in this task." PMC executive engineer Sunil Kesri said the decision regarding installation of CCTV cameras might be taken at Sunday's meeting with the police commissioner. "There is a meeting scheduled with the police commissioner tomorrow. The meeting is likely to discuss the spots where the CCTV cameras will be installed. I don't know whether PMPML stops are in the scheme of things."

The PMPML has also decided to create awareness among commuters about unclaimed bags lying either at bus stands or in buses. "We have already alerted our conductors and drivers about the threat. They have been briefed about as to what to do in such cases and who to contact. Similarly, we will display emergency numbers and messages on buses, especially those moving in the heart of the city," said Pardeshi.

PMPML said the announcing system outside the Pune station area would now include messages alerting people. "We are also planning to ask the announcer, who informs commuters about arrival and departure of different buses, to alert citizens about unclaimed bags or suspicious movements. We will discuss these points with the city police before taking a decision," he said.

Central Railways spokesperson Y K Singh said the railways have put over 30 CCTV cameras inside and outside the Pune railway station premises. He said the railways are in the process of upgrading security system by implementing the Integrated Security System on the station premises. "There is no deadline set but the new security will soon be implemented," Singh said.