H. C. Kunwar
Deputy Director (Media & Communication), Ministry of Railways.
Security has been identified as one of the priority areas for upgradation and strengthening over Indian Railways. Railway Protection Force (RPF), which functions under the Ministry of Railways, has been entrusted with the responsibility of protection and security of passengers, passenger area and matters connected therewith.
After studying the problems of railway security, Integrated Security System was proposed for 202 important railway stations in the entire railway network. As a mass transport system Indian Railways have some unique features. Around 8,000 million passengers travel annually on Indian Railways and at important stations like Delhi and Mumbai lakhs of footfalls are received on a daily basis. The situation becomes unique and unmanageable during peak hours. Keeping these aspects in view, it was proposed to have a security system, comprising of various features, which helps in multi screening of passengers and their baggage as well as ensures surveillance over passengers. The philosophy was to have different layers of checking/surveillance so that any nefarious activity is immediately noticed and the required action is taken within the ‘golden hour’.
Ministry of Railways has accordingly approved the installation of the ‘Integrated Security System’ at important stations after detailed deliberations. The system will comprise of the following components:
Internet Protocol Based CCTV System
The Close Circuit TV System will be installed in the stations area in such a manner that it covers the entire station premises including concourse, waiting halls, platforms, over-bridges etc. The CCTV system will be internet protocol based and will have important video analytics which will give automatic signals in case of suspected baggage, excessive crowd, intrusion by unauthorized persons etc.
Access Control
Boundary wall alongwith barbed wall fencing will be provided in such a manner that unauthorized entry/exit is not possible through-out the station area. Automatic vehicle scanner will be provided at entry gates from where vehicles enter into the station premises. A scanner will be integrated into the Control Room meant for surveillance.
Personal & Baggage Screening System
For personal screening, reliance shall be on hand held metal detectors, door frame metal detectors and frisking in suspected cases. Baggage screening will be done through large size X-Ray machines.
Bomb Detection & Disposal System (BDDS)
BDDS will be available with latest equipment at important stations. This System is being implemented at 202 important and sensitive stations of the country in first phase. There will be dedicated control rooms
at strategic locations for round the clock monitoring through the CCTV based surveillance system.
Trained RPF personnel will be utilized to ensure proper functioning of the ‘Integrated Security System.
To ensure smooth functioning of the machines and software, annual maintenance will be an integral part of the contract.
The 202 stations mentioned above, are scheduled to become functional during the current financial year.
Thus the system provides for multiple screening/checking of passengers right from the point of entry.
The ‘Integrated Security System’, comprising of latest machines and software, will supplement conventional methods of security which are also being strengthened. The combined effort of traditional methods and latest technologies will lead to a tremendous improvement in the security scenario of Indian
Railways.
Besides, presently RPF is engaged in escorting of 1275 important mail and express trains, access control at important railway stations, prosecution of offenders (under 29 sections of the Railways Act ) involved in unauthorized activities in trains/station premises viz. alarm chain pulling, unauthorized vending/hawking, unauthorized entry into ladies and reserved compartments etc, and prosecution of offenders apprehended with stolen railway property under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act 1966.
For strengthening of passenger security, 22 commando companies of RPF are being raised over all the zonal railways. This will be in addition to 12 RPSF Commando copanies to be raised one company
from each Battalion. Twelve battalions Railway Protection Special Force, (RSPF) under RPF, are located in the different parts of the country and three more RPSF Battalions, including one Mahila Battalion, have been approved to strengthen Special Force of the RPF. Modern weapons like AK 47 rifles, INSAS, Pistol 9mm have been inducted in RPF for strengthening of passenger security. For filling up existing vacancies and newly created posts in RPF, a massive recruitment drive has been launched by notifying 11952 posts of Constables and 511 posts of Sub-Inspectors out of which 10 per cent vacancies have been reserved for eligible female candidates.
Besides RPF, District Police is responsible for security of tracks and bridges and Government Railway
Police, a wing of state police, is responsible for prevention and detection of crime and maintenance of law and order in the station premises and in trains. 50% of the cost of Government Railway Police is borne by the Railways and the balance is paid by the State Government concerned. (PIB Feature.)
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/implementation-of-integrated-security-system-on-railways/
