Use of technology and discipline key to road safety, says Anil Chhikara

In the wake of a Delhi Univeristy student being sexually harassed in a moving bus on Monday, Vatsala Shrangi spoke to transport expert Anil Chhikara about what is the need of the hour to make travel safer for women in DTC buses. Edited excerpts:

How far can CCTVs be a solution to security in public transport?

Surveillance cameras alone cannot be a solution to such an issue with so many aspects. Unless we have an organised operation for all the buses, including seating capacity, arrival, overcrowding, and overall discipline, installing cameras cannot be of much help. Besides, even for the effective use of cameras, there must be a robust Intelligent Transport Mobility System for monitoring as well as studying the records. In absence of a smart control room for monitoring, surveillance cannot be done 24X7. Also, making the public a part of the administration is important. A vigilant crowd can have turned the situation around.

What can the city learn from the public transit systems in developed countries?

The use of technology and basic discipline are what we have to strive for. For instance, in Singapore which, too, has a density of 7,000 persons per km, the public transport system called 'Smart mobility'' is completely digital. 

The buses have cameras, both in the front and back with face recognition systems, which are linked to police records for instant alarm. Every movement is tracked. Buses have a fixed arrival time and bus stops display the number of vacant seats with the expected arrival or waiting time. This helps avoid overcrowding, which is one of the major factors allowing ground for acts such as groping or shadowing. Also, the passengers are well-disciplined, which is a civic trait followed because of the fear of the law.

What are the loopholes on the part of the administrative system that need to be addressed?

The most important thing marring the functioning of the overall transport system is that all departments are working in isolation. World over and even in Asian countries such as Malaysia, there is a single authority --- Land Transport Authority --- that handles roads, traffic and security. Integration of all these departments including DTC, traffic, PWD is crucial to a smooth and smart road and transport system.