Title - Admin delays keep high-end security away from rly stations

Commuters’ safety and security at major railway stations in Mumbai is under threat with the implementation of the Integrated Security System (ISS) being delayed repeatedly.

While Western Railway has removed many of its existing Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) at Churchgate station for the last one month now, Central Railway is unable to introduce the new age equipment due to repeated administrative holdups.

When asked about the missing security apparatus from its suburban terminus, Sandeep Silas, Divisional Railway Manager said, “About 14 DFMDs have been found to be defective and hence of no use at Churchgate. We are in the process of procuring camera equipped improved DFMDs which will also gather the facial features of people.”

While improved security is on its way, it is not before the first quarter of 2013 that DFMDs will be installed at Churchgate as the procurement process will take at least four months. The metal detectors at Mumbai Central will also be replaced with similar equipment.

While WR is preparing for the new security system, CR continues to suffer from delays in implementing the ISS. It is learnt from a reliable source that the Letter of Agreement is yet to be signed by the contractor. It is also learnt that one the process is stuck as there is disagreement over the software of the new CCTVs between the railway administration and the contractor.

The ISS was schedule to be implemented in phases starting from September at CST, Dadar, Kurla, LTT, Thane and Kalyan. It includes new and improved door frame metal detectors, hand held detectors for railway police personnel, X-ray baggage scanner and bomb disposal units.

While security experts are of the opinion that DFMDs are a failure in a suburban system like Mumbai, the other security apparatus such as baggage scanners and hand held metal detectors are essential for the railway police during routine checks.