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Mangaluru: Automated doors & CCTV cameras to be installed in all private and government buses

Mangaluru: Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Tuesday instructed all the private and government bus operators to install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in all the buses.

Chairing the special meeting at the DC’s office here, the deputy commissioner A.B Ibrahim, who is also the chairman of Regional Transport Authority (RTA) asked the bus operators to install at least two CCTV cameras in the buses.

Santhosh Babu, DCP (Law and Order) convinced the bus operators saying that more passengers will use the public transport as the safety improves. “It costs less than Rs 15,000 for two CCTV cameras”, he stressed and said that the department was ready to give specifications, if anyone requires it.

He also mentioned that the CCTV cameras should have good resolution and standard devices including night vision cameras. Assistant Dy. Commissioner advised the operators to ensure a minimum of 30 days storage of the CCTV data.

In addition to it, DCP also suggested to install CCTV cameras in all the bus stands. “These cameras can be of advantage for more reasons than one”, he said.

In one month

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner asked all the public places including religious centres to install CCTV cameras in one month. “The district complex has already installed the cameras. Similarly, the private building, apartments and commercial complexes should install atleast two cameras, while the religious centres should install atleast four CCTV cameras”, he said.

Santhosh Babu instructed to install at least one CCTV camera towards the road, as a public service.

Mr. Ibrahim said that the purpose of the installation of CCTV cameras is not to encroach on the privacy of the public but in the interest of the public.

Automated doors mooted for buses in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: In the wake of accidents in which commuters fell from moving buses, the public on Tuesday told Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to strictly implement automated doors for all the private and KSRTC buses for safety of passengers.

The matter came to the fore, during the special road safety meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner A.B Ibrahim.

The deputy commissioner, who is the chairman of Road Transport Authority (RTA), too admitted that it should be implemented in all buses. “The accident in Nanthur, which killed three persons recently, could have been averted if the buses had proper doors”, he said.

Meantime, the bus operators union said that it was not possible to install automated doors for the buses plying in the city. “As per the motor vehicle rules, doors are not mandatory for buses operating within the city limit”, he said and added that not all the BMTC buses in Bengaluru have such doors.

However, another from the public interrupted the union member for misleading the meeting. “All the BMTC buses have automated doors”, he said.

“There are six buses (number 27) plying towards Jeppu that have automated doors. Hence, every private bus should be taking a cue from them”, another member of the public said.

Meanwhile, the Regional Transport Officer Afzal Ahmed Khan who referred the book on Motor Vehicle Act told the deputy commissioner that the city buses have been exempted for installing automated doors. “However, the RTA has the right to make necessary changes, if it is appropriate to their geographical boundary”, he said.

In response to the RTO, the Deputy Commissioner said that in the next meeting of the road transport authority (RTA), a discussion will be held on the implementation of automated doors”.

Besides, the deputy commissioner instructed the RTO to ensure that their department conducts surprise checks to see if all the buses meet required parameters.  

No footpath

During the meeting, the public also spoke on the missing footpath, after construction of roads.

MCC Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati admitted that it was a serious issue. “Wherever, there are footpaths and it is being encroached to park vehicles, will be acted upon. While, those stretches where there are no footpath, will be looked into, in fifteen days”, she responded.

Meanwhile, Dr. Edmond Fernandes, who made a presentation on his initiative towards zero accidents, asked the RTA to seriously implement seat belts and helmets for all the vehicle users, including adherence towards speed limit in the city.