DMRC refutes reports on defunct CCTVs, says all cameras working

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday dismissed media reports suggesting that women’s safety in the Metro network is being compromised due to non-functional CCTV cameras. Clarifying that such claims were based on misleading interpretations of an RTI response, the DMRC said nearly all its 24,000 CCTVs are fully functional and maintained regularly.

In an official statement, DMRC said, “Out of 24,000 CCTVs functional in its network daily, only 300–500 were under routine maintenance during the entire year, not on any single day.” The corporation added that on any given day, just one or two cameras from the network might be under maintenance, which is immediately rectified on top priority.

Rejecting the notion that any blind spots exist in stations or trains, the DMRC said overlapping camera coverage ensures continuous surveillance even when maintenance is underway. The statement underlined that the Delhi Metro remains one of the safest public transport systems, with over 11,000 CCTV cameras in trains and 13,000 at stations, monitored regularly.

“All Metro stations are under robust surveillance at entry and exit points, ticket counters, escalators, and platforms,” DMRC said, adding that no train is deployed in service with faulty CCTVs.

The corporation also highlighted additional safety measures for women, including a dedicated coach in every train, emergency alarm buttons in each coach, and helpline numbers including 1091 for women, and 155370 and 155655 for DMRC and CISF respectively.

Further strengthening security, DMRC mentioned the deployment of the Kali Squad, an all-women commando unit trained in martial arts, to respond swiftly to harassment or intrusions in ladies’ coaches.