Security needs to be strengthened on Pune Railway station premises; inadequate number of CCTV cameras
Pune: An approval was given to install hi-tech CCTV cameras on the premises of the Pune Railway Station nine months ago. However, nothing has been done till date. It is said that the post-tender process is underway. Therefore, questions are being asked about strengthening of security at the facility.
In all, 72 trains originate from the Pune Railway Station while 200 pass through it. The number of youths coming from other states is higher due to employment opportunities in the city. The number of long-haul trains is also higher.
In the backdrop of a rising number of passengers, security on the premises of the railway station is not adequate. The railway administration needs to provide necessary facilities to passengers. Local trains ply through the Pune Railway Station daily between Lonavala and Daund.
Therefore, its premises are always crowded. Incidents such as thefts, mobile phone snatchings also take place. Moreover, kidnapping and sexual abuse also took place on its premises in the past. Hence, a demand was raised to install hi-tech CCTV cameras on the premises. But its work is progressing very slowly.
Current condition of CCTVs
At present, only 74 CCTV cameras function at the Pune Railway Station. They were installed many years ago. Therefore, it was decided to set up 46 new ultra-modern cameras. Faces of accused roaming on the premises could be recognised by such CCTV cameras. Discussions have been going on for the past two years in this connection. Railway officials announced that an approval was granted to install the CCTVs. But there is still no indication of any work.
Observe caution while seeking help
Passengers on the railway station premises face several issues. During their struggle, they may take others’ help. However, they will have to observe caution while seeking help from strangers on the Pune Railway Station premises. They should ensure that they are not misled or cheated.
In numbers
Daily passengers: 1.5 lakh
Daily trains passing through: 200
Daily trains originating: 72
Total CCTVs: 74
Proposed CCTVs: 46
