Shan-e-Punjab becomes first train to have CCTV cameras

Shan-e-Punjab has become the first train in the country to have surveillance cameras as part of the Railways’ initiative to ensure safety of passengers and reduce crime. 
•    As many as 122 CCTV cameras have been installed in 21 coaches of the train, which runs between Amritsar and New Delhi.
•    The facility was inaugurated by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu through video conferencing from New Delhi. In his message, he said, “We promised it in the Budget and today we have fulfilled our promise,” adding passenger’s security was their prime concern.
•    Local Bodies Minister Anil Joshi, Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora and senior officials of the Railways were present at the station. 
•    Cameras had been installed at a cost of Rs 36.71 lakh. These have been put up in two sleeper class coaches, three chair car coaches and all 16 non-AC coaches of the train. Four to six cameras have been installed in each bogie.
•    Cameras had been strategically placed so that they did not undermine the privacy of passengers but acted as deterrent for miscreants. 
•    LCD screens to keep an eye on the entire train have been put up inside the guards’ compartment. Parkash said high-definition images of the surveillance system would be helpful in identifying miscreants.