Mumbai: In a major step toward enhancing passenger safety, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is set to upgrade the security of its iconic red “Lalpari” buses and facilities through an advanced CCTV surveillance network. Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaiak announced that the state government has allocated ₹111 crore for the ambitious “New CCTV Project,” which aims to create a seamless digital security shield across all key MSRTC locations.
According to Minister Sarnaiak, the project prioritises passenger protection amid potential threats from anti-social and terrorist activities. Under this initiative, CCTV cameras will be installed across bus stations, depots, regional workshops, central workshops, divisional offices, and the Central Training Institute in Bhosari. A total of 7,035 CCTV cameras will be installed at 633 strategic locations, ensuring real-time digital monitoring of MSRTC operations.
The technologically advanced project is being implemented by Telecommunication Consultants India Limited (TCIL), selected through the e-tendering process. Work is underway at a rapid pace, and the entire implementation timeline is set at one year.
A crucial component of the project—the Central Control Room in Mumbai—has already been established, and its User Acceptance Test (UAT) has been successfully completed. This facility will enable centralised monitoring of all CCTV feeds across Maharashtra, allowing authorities to swiftly detect suspicious activities and take immediate action.
During the pilot phase, CCTV systems were successfully installed at 64 key locations across Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar divisions, marking a significant leap in public transport safety. Installation work for the remaining 27 divisions, workshops, and offices is progressing at high speed.
Minister Pratap Sarnaiak stated that the project is not merely about installing cameras, but about providing MSRTC with a comprehensive digital security shield. The CCTV network will strengthen public confidence, enhance safety at bus stations and offices, and ensure quick intervention during any untoward incident.
With this initiative, the journey of Maharashtra’s beloved “Lalpari” buses is set to become not just faster, but significantly safer, more reliable, and technologically empowered.
