RailEnquiry

KOCHI: Ernakulam junction is yet to install the luggage scanner that it received almost a year ago. Sources said that the scanner couldn't be installed since the agency, which was awarded contract of supplying and installing the machine, gave preference to railway stations in Tamil Nadu. Railway Protection Force (RPF) was supposed to man the scanner that was proposed as part of integrated security system (ISS) at major railway stations in the state.Apart from the luggage scanner, parcel and vehicle scanners, security cameras were also planned at the station. However, authorities are yet to deliver the security cameras and vehicle scanners. Sources said that since the scanner is part of ISS, it cannot be installed alone. Earlier, railways had said that ISS would be implemented by July this year. Sources pointed out that despite repeated requests from divisional authorities, RPF has not shown any interest in the matter. "The scanner, which is kept near the main entrance of the station, occupies a major space, causing inconvenience to passengers. Had it been installed or moved to another location, some more space would have been available for passenger movement," said an official at the station. Meanwhile, luggage scanners have already been installed at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode stations. The scanner at Kozhikode station will be inaugurated soon. Sources said that it was installed as the station is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

However, RPF claimed that security systems will be in place in the station soon. A senior RPF officer said experts are needed to install the system and the company implementing the project does not have much staff.

"Ernakulam Junction will get priority. The wiring part is over and the employees of the company recently visited the station to inspect the spots identified for installing cameras," he said. The spots for installing 60 cameras at the station were identified one year ago.