After a long delay, CMRL to install additional CCTV cameras at stations

Chennai Metro Rail Limited to install additional CCTV cameras at stations to enhance security and surveillance by April.

After a long delay, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will begin installation of additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the stations in the Phase I and Phase I Extension networks by April.

In the 54-km networks, there are nearly 4,000 CCTV cameras across 41 stations. But unfortunately, even almost 10 years after the start of operations, there are several spots at many stations that do not fall under CCTV surveillance, sources said.

“The problem is, there have been multiple instances where passengers complained that their belongings had gone missing. This sometimes led to altercations between passengers and staff. Women passengers have also alleged that some persons tried to misbehave with them, and these incidents mostly happened at the blind spots. We find it very difficult to oversee staff and investigate these complaints without CCTV camera surveillance,” a source said.

According to CMRL officials, there were issues with the tender they initially floated for the installation of CCTV cameras. This led to the process being delayed. The project cost is nearly ₹30 crore, and it will be completed in about six months.

“We plan to procure another 1,000 CCTV cameras. Initially, we will not only bring parking spaces, blind spots, station controller’s room, and ticketing areas under surveillance but also put up additional CCTV cameras at stations with high footfalls to improve security. We have identified 14 stations, including Chennai Central, Thirumangalam, Alandur, Koyambedu, Thousand Lights, Guindy, and Chennai Airport,” an official said.

“This aside, we will also have some spares cameras as replacements in case the ones that have been installed experience any glitches,” he added.