Can't remove curtains or install CCTVS in buses: Karnataka Transport Minister

Belagavi: Transport Minister H.M. Revanna ruled out removal of curtains and installation of CCTVs in sleeper coaches in KSRTC and private buses as the privacy of commuters had to be respected.

Speaking in the Council on Friday, Ms Jayamala Ramachandra (Congress) said illegal activities go on in sleeper coach buses behind the curtains. According to her, child trafficking take place in such buses plying from north Karnataka to Miraj, Sangli, Bhiwani and Mumbai. The traffickers prefer to travel in the back of the sleeper coaches to avoid the public glare. The transport department must install CCTVs and also remove the curtains in such buses, she said.

Mr Revanna said the curtains had been provided in the sleeper coaches as per the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Act 1989 to ensure privacy to travellers. It was not possible for conductors to peep into the curtains to know what commuters were doing. However, in case of a single woman occupying a double seat, no male traveller is given a ticket for the other seat. “We cannot suspect couples traveling in sleeper coaches. You please suggest how we can check it," he shot back.