Pune: PMPML will soon introduce live-feed surveillance cameras in its buses to improve passenger safety, enhance monitoring and enable quick action in emergencies.CMD Mahesh Awhad said 400 buses operated by private contractors would each be fitted with two cameras connected directly to the central command and control centre. Installation had already begun in 200 of the vehicles. The 1,500 new buses being added to the fleet would come factory-fitted with the system.“Cameras will provide a live feed from inside the buses. Personnel at the command centre will be able to monitor the interiors, while the bus is on the move,” Awhad said.He said the live-feed system would help the transport body respond immediately to complaints ranging from theft and harassment to passenger disputes. “If a commuter reports an incident and shares the bus number, the control room can trace the vehicle and view the live footage instantly. Instead of relying on verbal accounts only, we can verify the situation in real time and take prompt action. It will improve transparency and ensure faster intervention,” he said.PMPML officials said that although several buses were already equipped with CCTV cameras, the footage was stored locally and could not be viewed live. “Frequently, we receive complaints of arguments between passengers and crew, thefts or allegations of harassment. Live monitoring will allow us to assess situations as they unfold instead of waiting for recorded footage later,” a senior official said.The transport utility is also planning to equip its fleet with dashboard cameras focused on the driver’s cabin. A proposal will be placed before the board of directors later this month.Awhad said dash cameras would help address recurring complaints of rash driving, skipping bus stops, rude behaviour towards passengers and allegations of drivers working under the influence of alcohol. “The footage will establish exactly what the driver was doing at the time of an incident. It will help fix responsibility where required, while also protecting drivers and conductors from false allegations,” he said.Regular commuters welcomed the move and said real-time surveillance would improve safety and accountability. “It will make passengers, especially women, feel safer. There was also talk of installing panic buttons in buses some time ago. I hope that proposal is revived,” said frequent commuter Daksha Pathak.
