Mumbai to get 5,625 more CCTV cameras for better crime detection, enforcing traffic rules
The additional cameras will primarily be installed in areas where the existing network could not provide adequate coverage (Representational Image)
The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved the installation of 5,625 more CCTV cameras in the city at a proposed cost of Rs 323 crore to cover arterial roads, slums, and other areas not covered under the existing network.
The city is already covered under an extensive CCTV network of 4,717 cameras, over 95 percent of which are functional. With the recent approval, the total total number of high-tech CCTV cameras in the city will increase to 10,342.
The additional cameras will primarily be installed in areas where the existing network could not provide adequate coverage. The locations were selected based on feedback by local cops and existing crime rate.
The CCTV surveillance project was mooted following the 26/11 attacks. The Rs 980 crore project was awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the network went live in October 2016.
The cost of installing the 5,000 plus new cameras, which will also be undertaken by L&T, is lower as it entails the installation of new devices while piggybacking on the existing network.
The surveillance project has been a boon for cops, who have reported a decline in crime rate due to better detection capabilities. It has even led to better adherence to traffic rules, thanks to the 8 lakh plus e-challans issued till date.
Additionally, the network is equipped with Picture Intelligence Unit (PIU) feature, which allows authorities to save pictures of suspects and get notified anytime they crop up in the city.
