In a move to boost security and combat criminal activities at Chennai’s busy Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu, the Chennai City Police have ramped up surveillance efforts. Under the guidance of Chennai Commissioner of Police A. Amalraj, drones are being deployed, and round-the-clock CCTV monitoring is in place as part of a special anti-crime and anti-drug operation. The initiative aims to prevent offenses like theft, robbery, drug trafficking, and other illegal acts that often occur in crowded public areas.
Special teams from the police force have conducted thorough inspections at the vast bus terminus and its surroundings, particularly during nighttime, focusing on areas prone to criminal activities. Individuals found loitering under suspicious circumstances have been questioned and searched as part of proactive policing measures to enhance passenger safety.
A significant aspect of the operation involves the use of drone technology, with trained police personnel conducting aerial surveillance to monitor passenger movements and activities in and around the bus stand. This approach enables quick identification of suspicious behavior and prompt responses to potential threats. At the same time, dedicated teams are closely monitoring CCTV footage from the extensive camera network at the terminus, reviewing recordings from various locations to detect suspicious individuals, gather intelligence, and track movements within the complex.
During a single day of the operation in Koyambedu, police sources reported the detention of at least 15 individuals for questioning. Following verification and inquiry, they were released after providing written assurances of lawful conduct. This surveillance-focused operation forms part of a broader strategy to safeguard commuters and prevent criminal exploitation of crowded transport facilities.
CMBT, a key bus terminal in South India, plays a vital role in connecting Chennai with districts across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. On an average day, the terminus caters to over one lakh passengers, with footfall increasing to between three and four lakh passengers during weekends, holidays, and festive periods. Police authorities have indicated that similar technology-driven surveillance operations will be ongoing in the upcoming weeks, with a specific emphasis on upholding public order, deterring crime, and ensuring a safe travel environment for the facility’s daily influx of passengers.
