Mumbai: Majority of TCs await body cameras

The body camera

Four months after the Central Railway distributed body cameras to 50 ticket checking (TC) staff, the roll out of the body cameras is still pending for the majority of the TCs. In May 2023, in a bid to enhance the security of ticket checking (TC) staff and ensure transparency during ticket checking drives, Central Railway initiated the distribution of body cameras to TCs in the Mumbai section as part of the first phase of implementation.

These body cameras were introduced with the primary objective of preventing disputes between passengers and TCs, which had become a recurring issue during ticket checking operations. The cameras were meant to serve as a means of accountability for both parties involved.

Despite the initial distribution of body cameras to 50 TCs, a substantial number of 1,150 TCs are still awaiting their cameras as of October. The rollout was initially planned to be completed by July, but the delays have raised questions about the efficiency of the process. Central Railway is expected to expedite the distribution to the remaining TCs.

Sources from the Central Railway said, "Body cameras given to the TCs are under study. Meanwhile, some flaws have also been noticed in the cameras. Body cameras will be made available to all the TCs in the next five-six months after removing those flaws." The source said that TCs will wear the cameras, designed to capture both the audio and video, near the pockets of their shirts or coats. "These cameras are designed to capture audio and video and the footage recordings will be retained for about one month. In case of disputes or complaints involving ticket checking staff or passengers, senior railway officials will be able to access the footage to investigate the matter thoroughly. This storage period guarantees that essential evidence is preserved for a sufficient duration, enhancing transparency and accountability during ticket checking operations," said the source.

Central Railway conducts regular ticket checking drives across various train services including suburban, mail express, passenger, and special trains. These operations are essential to curb ticketless and irregular travel, ensuring fair usage of the railway infrastructure. However, such actions have also witnessed numerous incidents of disputes between passengers and TCs. Passengers are often found engaging in verbal arguments with TCs during these ticket checks, with some confrontations turning violent, a cause for concern for both passengers and railway staff. The provision of body cameras was deemed necessary to record and document these interactions, providing evidence in case of disputes.

50
No. of TCs initial lot of cameras were given to