City lags in CCTV as crime sees rise

Like many other suburban stations in Chennai, Nungambakkam railway station too had no CCTV cameras. These stations are frequented by thousands of women and children daily. Southern Railway is still sitting on a proposal to have CCTV cameras at 26 suburban stations in Chennai. 

At present, only 7 stations in Chennai under Integrated Security System have CCTV surveillance. Two others have mere CCTV surveillance. By December this year, 82 stations will come under CCTV surveillance, said Southern Railway General Manager Vashishta Johiri to DTNext. He said he was not aware of the GRP proposal but said that the scheme is now being implemented using the Nirbhaya funds. “Nirbhaya funds have been allocated to us to carry out the works for the current year and stations will be brought under CCTV surveillance by December,” Johiri said. 

Government Railway Police sources felt CCTV installation would bring down crime. “The very presence of CCTV cameras deters criminals. They have the fear of being watched,” a few GRP personnel said.