Navi Mumbai: A shocking revelation has emerged regarding the failure of the city’s critical CCTV surveillance system, which was meant to enhance public security. An RTI inquiry by the Alert Citizens Forum has uncovered that out of 1,500 CCTV cameras installed at Rs 150 crore, only 703 cameras are operational, with just 410 cameras functioning due to ongoing roadwork.
In 2022, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) awarded Tata Group the project to set up a state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance system, featuring high-definition cameras, speed detection cameras, and evidence cameras. However, despite three years having passed, the project remains incomplete.
The Alert Citizens Forum had filed an RTI request on November 6, 2024, seeking details about the installed cameras, operational status, maintenance costs, and staff assigned for CCTV monitoring. The NMMC delayed the response until March 2025, raising concerns about transparency.
Police Seek Better CCTV Monitoring System
The Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner’s office has demanded that a CCTV monitoring system be set up at its CBD Belapur headquarters, similar to the one at the municipal headquarters. The police commissionerate is also planning a new, advanced CCTV system in its upcoming headquarters, with an estimated budget of ₹5 crore.
Major Issues: Roadwork, Cable Theft, and Poor Planning
In March 2025, Alert Citizens Forum members inspected the Vashi CCTV network and found that many cameras were offline due to fiber optic cables being damaged during road construction. The lack of underground cable planning for power, telecom, and CCTV networks has resulted in frequent disruptions. Additionally, incidents of copper cable theft have been on the rise, further compromising security.
CCTV Monitoring Limited to Just Four Computers
Despite the potential of real-time CCTV monitoring to assist police in immediate action, the RTI findings revealed that Navi Mumbai Police are operating the entire surveillance system with just four computers. The lack of coordination between the police and the municipal corporation has left the system largely ineffective, according to the Alert Citizens Forum.
Contractor Given Deadline for Repairs
The contractor responsible for the project has completed 97% of the work but has been issued a 72-hour deadline to restore all non-functional cameras. Additionally, a 15-day notice has been served to ensure full operational efficiency of the system.
With public safety at stake, citizens are now demanding accountability from NMMC and the police to ensure that the Rs150 crore surveillance system delivers on its promises.
