LCD screens, CCTV cameras in city buses

Commuters in Mumbai's BEST buses will be monitored from next week while travelling, with authorities installing closed circuit cameras as well as LCD screens in over 100 buses in the city.

The closed circuit cameras will be installed at the entry and exit of the buses in order to monitor passengers who board them and the images will be stored on a hard disk.

"The wiring of the cameras has been completed for 100 buses in the Wadala bus depot and will help us keep a watch in order to nab persons indulging in criminal activities," General manager of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), Uttam Khobragade said.

In case of any complaint about an incident aboard the bus, recorded video feed could be analysed for identifying the person, he said.

BEST will also be installing LCD screens in the buses which will beam pre-recorded video clips including public service. The contract has been awarded to a private firm for the next 10 years and BEST will earn a revenue of Rs 1 crore per annum, he said.

The screens are to be maintained by the agency and the content shown on the screens is to be monitored by BEST authorities before it is shown to any third party.

BEST officials said the devices would gradually be installed in all buses in the city in a phased manner.