CCTV cameras installed at PMG Square in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 19: Police have expedited the process of installing closed-circuit television cameras at various traffic junctions of the city.

While four cameras have been installed at the traffic post near Rabindra Mandap Square, work has begun in other areas, including the Ram Mandir Square and PMG Square junctions.

In the first phase, portions of road near the junctions are being dug to facilitate cable laying. Subsequently, the cameras would be installed at these junctions.

“A US-based company is carrying out the work, and the first phase of the project will be completed by the end of December,” said a police official.

The first phase of the project, being executed by the Odisha State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation, would see the cameras installed at 27 locations.

Once the cameras are installed, they would be linked to the control room located at the police commissioner’s office. The police said the CCTV-based surveillance would not only keep an eye on the rowdy people during agitations, but also help to curb crime.

“We had already installed CCTVs in the police control room vans. Once the cameras are installed at the traffic junctions, we will be able to keep a tab on those, who violate the traffic rules,” said deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi.

A police official said the surveillance system at AG Square would also be used for traffic management. The cameras would zoom in on the number plates of vehicles to detect traffic violation,” he said.

On September 1, the cameras were installed in two police control room vans of Capital police station, and one van each of Kharavela Nagar, Airfield and Chandrasekharpur police stations on a pilot basis.

The high-frequency static cameras are capable of capturing images up to a distance of around 100 metres.

A monitor has also been installed inside the vans to see the live footage. The CCTV-based surveillance is being implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore.

However, residents of the city are demanding early execution of the project.

“One would find portions of road being dug at traffic intersections almost regularly. It is creating a problem for commuters, especially during night hours,” said Ashish Samantray, a commuter.