Patna: Five months have passed since a decision was taken to install CCTV cameras at Mithapur bus stand.

Ten cameras worth around Rs 3.25 lakh were to be installed at the bus stand for security purpose. Though tenders were issued and a company finalised, the process got stuck due to non-release of funds by Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC).

In September 2017, it was decided to install CCTV cameras at Mithapur bus stand. In October, meetings were held around half-a-dozen times by the Patna mayor and the PMC. Afterwards, the executive engineer of PMC, Bhola Yagyanik, directed PMC employees to select the sites for installing the cameras.

Ten places were selected for installing the CCTV cameras and a report was sent by the executive engineer to the PMC in November.

Two cameras were to be installed at both the gates of the bus stand while two cameras were to be fitted at the rear side of the stand. Six cameras were to be installed inside the bus stand area at short distances.

A PMC official said around half-a-dozen companies had showed interest in the bidding process following which Radolant International India Private Limited located at Jamal Road was selected.

In December last year, the company was asked to install cameras at the selected sites, the official said, adding: "Despite quotations being given by the company, the PMC is yet to release the funds. This is the reason why work has got stuck."

The official said that the responsibility of maintenance of cameras lies with the company concerned. For this, the PMC will withhold Rs 1.50 lakh of the company and it will be released only after one year according to the tender criteria. The monitoring of all the 10 cameras will be done through an office at Gate Number 1 of the bus stand.

Patna mayor Sita Sahu said: "The decision to install cameras was taken four-five months back. The tender process has also been completed. Soon, work will start."