Passenger’s Safety Under Scrutiny: Only 48 CCTV Cameras, 46 Guards at Pune’s Major Bus Depots
Pune :
In the wake of the recent rape incident on a woman at the Swargate ST bus stand, the State Transport (ST) administration has come under intense criticism for its glaring security lapses. Public anger is mounting as shocking data reveals a severe lack of surveillance and manpower at Pune’s busiest bus depots.
According to the ST administration, only 48 CCTV cameras have been installed across three major bus depots—Swargate, Chhatrapati Shivaji Nagar, and Pune Station—in Pune city, raising serious concerns over passenger safety. Additionally, a mere 46 security guards are deployed to oversee security operations at these heavily crowded bus depots.
With lakhs of commuters travelled through Swargate, Chhatrapati Shivaji Nagar, and Pune Station bus depots daily, crime rates—including mobile and wallet thefts and misbehaviour with female passengers—have escalated. However, despite repeated complaints, the ST administration has failed to increase security measures at these bus depots.
Severe Shortage of Security Personnel
Despite being the largest bus depot in the state, as per the data, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Nagar bus depot has only 17 security guards, while Swargate and Pune Station bus depots have 22 and 7 guards, respectively. Given the increasing crime incidents, these numbers are grossly insufficient to maintain passenger safety. Amidst this, the passengers have stressed the urgent need for additional personnel and stricter monitoring at these high-traffic bus depots.
CCTV Cameras: Installed, But Not Functional
Further compounding the issue is the poor state of CCTV surveillance. Investigations have revealed that many cameras in these bus depots are either nonfunctional or offer unclear footage due to a lack of maintenance and repairs. This glaring lapse not only makes it difficult to monitor criminal activity but also hinders investigations when crimes really take place.
Security Guards Caught Sleeping on Duty
Passengers have also complained that security guards on night shifts frequently sleep inside their cabins instead of patrolling the premises. This issue was clearly highlighted after a rape incident took place on a female passenger in the Swargate ST bus stand.
Pramod Nehul, Divisional Controller of the Pune ST Department, stated, “Security guards are deployed round the clock at all three bus stations—Swargate, Chhatrapati Shivajinagar, and Pune Station—for the safety of passengers. Also, CCTV cameras have been installed at all bus stations.”
