Following the success of field trials, the Western Railway (WR) will install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in a few rakes from July 2014 for safety of women commuters in local trains."

"Two CCTVs each will be installed in all women's compartments in the selected services," said Sharat Chandrayan, Chief Public Relations Officer, WR.

Following a spurt in crimes against women on local trains this year, WR, as a pilot project, installed CCTV cameras in a coach six months ago. During the trials, various aspects from technical integration of the CCTV system to quality of images were tested"

"There were problems regarding quality of footage. Unlike on platforms, where the camera is not disturbed, vibrations due to the movement of trains were resulting in shaky images. The other issue was about the transfer of information from the camera to the central server. The issues have been resolved and WR has initiated the tendering process," said a senior railway officer.

According to the officer, WR will install technologically advanced CCTV cameras that can take better footage despite the train's movement.

Though surveillance will not be real-time, Chandrayan said, "The presence of CCTVs in local trains will act as a deterrent for miscreants and offenders."

Safety of women on trains became a cause for concern after a nurse was molested between Mahalaxmi and Lower Parel on July 27. In another instance, an American national was assaulted between Marine Lines and Charni Road on August 18.

The Western Railway will install 100 kW solar panel on the terrace of its administrative building at Churchgate. This will help the Railways produce six times the energy it is using for administrative work. The panel will be installed towards the end of December 2014.

Crimes against women on locals

Rape 2

Molestation .....25

Lewd gestures.....5

Murder.....1

Attempted murder.....1

Kidnap.....6

Chain-snatching (theft) ....28

Chain-snatching (robbery)......166

Total.....234