Nirbhaya Fund for 900 rly stations

The Indian Railways will install CCTV surveillance system at more than 900 stations under the Nirbhaya Fund at an approved cost of Rs 500 crore to strengthen security on its premises.

The Railways plans to cover all stations under the CCTV system in a phased manner. There are about  7,500 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, the official said.  Another official said CCTV cameras have been effective in detecting crime and initiating prompt investigations in such cases.

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.

Created in 2013 in memory of the 2012 Delhi gang rape victim, the Nirbhaya Fund supports the government and non-government initiatives to ensure safety and security of women.

… & ANALYSIS

• Why is the Nirbhaya Fund being used for installing CCTV cameras at railway stations?
   
• Is the Nirbhaya Fund being used for this purpose because it has remained underutilised?