Karnataka to install CCTV cameras and GPS in city buses

The government will float a global tender within a week inviting interest from private companies to install the equipment

In the wake of the recent gang rape case in the capital, the Karnataka government has announced certain measures to help avert such situations in the state, specially in Bangalore city.

Addressing a press conference, State Home Minister R Ashok said the government has decided to install CCTV cameras and Global Positioning System (GPS) in 6,000 city buses run by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC).

"The government will float a global tender within a week inviting interest from private companies to install CCTV cameras and GPS in city buses. The final bidder will be announced in 45 days," said Ashok. Then the project will started on a pilot basis wherein the devices will be installed in 1,000 buses across Bangalore city. The final bidder will have to set-up a control room in central BMTC bus terminal operate and maintain it for 5 years and transfer it to the state government eventually. The annual operational cost would be Rs 12-13 crore.  

"Installation of cameras in 1,000 buses will cost Rs 20 crore. The cost for installing GPS device is yet to be finalised, The government is still finalising terms and conditions for the tender," added Ashok.

The government has also mandated all hostels / paying guests and cab drivers to register with the nearest police station. The city will see 1,100 'hoysalas' (4-wheeler) and 367 cheetah squad (2-wheelers) patrolling the city round the clock.

The state government has also launched a 24/7 helpline service for women, which can be used by dialing 1091 (for Bangalore). The state police is going to operate this helpline and register sexual crimes against women in the city. The state home ministry has also issued advisory to all BPOs, IT companies and MNCs on steps to be taken to protect women employees at their workplace. Another guideline Manuel has been issued specifying dos and donts for the public at large. One lakh brochures of this manuel will be printed and distributed in public places.

The state government has decided to recruit 3,000 constables and 2,000 security personnel for the proposed Karnataka Industrial Security Force (KISF), on the model of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). KISF staff would man the business establishments, industrial houses in the state.