Soon,security staff in DTC buses for frisking passengers

Officials said that as many as 5,200 detectors would be required to ensure the safety of passengers in buses. “At any given time during the peak hours,around 5,200 buses are functional. We will require the same number of detectors. We are still working out the details of this plan,and will forward our report to the Delhi government soon.”

DTC Chairman-cum-Managing Director P K Gupta said they were going to carry out a feasibility study on the project soon. “As it may be difficult for conductors to frisk passengers,we may have to hire extra staff for the purpose. As passengers board the bus from the back door as well as front,we need to figure out other technicalities of implementing this plan. We are planning to hire agencies that can carry out a feasibility study on this. As we are also going to install CCTV cameras,we want a comprehensive plan on these security measures.”

Officials said as the vehicle halts only for a few minutes at each bus stop,trained staffers might be needed to carry out the task efficiently. “The conductors cannot be expected to frisk people and hand out tickets at the same time. This is why we need to hire more people for the job,” an official said.

The DTC transports at least 40-46 lakh passengers everyday through more than 6,000 buses,covering a total road length of nearly 14,000 km across the city. “Our buses cater to lakhs of passengers everyday and,like any other crowded public place,it is very important to conduct security checks in buses. The matter gains significance in view of recent blasts in the city,” said an official.