Despite repeated assurances, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) has failed to install AI-enabled CCTV cameras in its buses, raising serious concerns about passenger safety and administrative accountability.
PMPML officials had assured that each bus would be equipped with four AI-enabled CCTV cameras by the end of February 2025. After the Swargate rape case, the administration had promised to enhance the security measures in the PMPML buses. However, it failed to comply with the stated deadline.
The move was touted as a crucial role in boosting passenger safety, curbing crimes like chain snatching, mobile theft, etc., and even monitoring driver behaviour. However, as June nears its end, there is no visible progress on the ground. Not a single camera has been installed across the PMPML-owned fleet.
"Daily commuters, especially women and senior citizens, continue to travel in an increasingly unsafe environment with no surveillance or monitoring systems in place," said Raguvanshi Verma, a daily commuter.
Another passenger, Prathmesh Ghadge, highlighted, "It is not a delay, it is a failure of responsibility. Number of promises were made in enhancing the security measures at bus stops and in the buses post Swargate rape case, but the situation remains the same. Funds not being approved is not a proper excuse. When will the safety of passengers become a real priority?"
Meanwhile, Nitin Narvekar, Joint Managing Director, PMPML, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, "February 2025 was a tentative deadline. However, the funds from the central government for AI cameras have not been approved yet. As the funds will be approved, the tender will be floated. In a single bus, four AI cameras will be installed - one in front, another at the rear and two cameras at the entry/ exit gates. These cameras will help curb the crime and count the footfall easily. We have sent a letter to the government for granting clearance for the funds. Most probably, by the end of July, the AI cameras will be installed in all PMPML-owned buses."
