Pune Rape Incident: Transport Minister Implements Security Overhaul for MSRTC

Mumbai, Feb 27 (NationPress) Following the tragic incident where a 26-year-old woman was assaulted on a state transport bus at the Swargate depot in Pune, Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing security across the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus system.

The minister emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence, the installation of CCTV cameras and GPS systems in buses, as well as alarm and locking mechanisms. He mandated the disposal of scrapped buses, along with four-wheelers and two-wheelers currently stored in depots by April 15, along with a comprehensive safety audit of all bus depots.

Additionally, the minister indicated plans to petition Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the assignment of a senior IPS officer to oversee security within MSRTC.

In his remarks, Sarnaik noted that current security staffing includes only 2,700 guards, with a notable lack of female personnel. There is a push for an increase in the number of security guards, particularly aiming for 15 to 20 percent of them to be women.

Sarnaik made these statements after a high-level meeting with transport department and MSRTC officials, scrutinizing the existing security protocols and discussing measures to bolster the safety of women specifically. He has initiated an inquiry into the rape case and has instructed that any officials responsible for lapses be suspended.

“With close to 15,000 buses, including newly acquired EV buses, in the MSRTC fleet, we have resolved to employ AI technology for enhanced security. The planned installations of CCTV, GPS, alarms, and locking systems will fortify safety measures. Furthermore, the scrapped vehicles currently parked at various depots will be disposed of by April 15, preventing potential misuse by anti-social elements. This process will be a collaborative effort among the transport department, regional transport offices, and MSRTC,” he stated.

He further mentioned the existence of approximately 800 bus depots and stations where security measures will be fortified, and cleanliness initiatives will also be enacted.

“A comprehensive safety and security audit of these depots will be conducted shortly,” announced the minister.

Sarnaik also expressed intentions to make a specific appeal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the deployment of an IPS officer to oversee security at MSRTC, noting that this position has remained unfilled despite earlier requests.

The minister has initiated a departmental inquiry led by senior officials regarding the performance of the assistant transport superintendent and the Swargate depot manager, with immediate suspensions for any found negligent in their duties. He has directed Vivek Bhimanwar, the acting MSRTC vice chairman and managing director, to commence an investigation without delay.

Sarnaik reiterated the department's commitment to prioritizing women's safety, highlighting the Manila Sanman Yojana, which grants women a 50 percent discount on MSRTC bus fares, resulting in a significant increase in the number of female passengers.