Title - Better behave on the Metro, you'll be watched

Seoul, Dubai, Chicago, Houston and now, Mumbai. Coaches on the Mumbai Metro network on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar line will be the first in the country to get a Firetide commuter safety system.In other words, if you are riding the Metro, you will be watched; so it’s best to be on your best behaviour.Once the internet protocol-based system is in place, helplines and phone calls in case of emergencies will be a thing of the past. A Metro official said, “The system will document live feeds to keep an eye on real-time happenings inside the train. So, in case of incidents of trouble, like someone harassing women, or a fight, the Metro staff can halt the train and despatch security at once.”A senior official of the Mumbai Metro One Private Limited said, “This will nip all unruly and criminal incidents in the bud; there will be a real-time response to all sorts of crimes. This will be helpful for safety of women. This is the first time that such an advanced system will be placed in any train.”

Mumbai Metro is in the final stages of commissioning. Integration and testing various systems, signalling, communications etc, is in progress.

Explaining the works, a Metro official said the surveillance camera and radio sets inside the pilot’s cabin will send signals to central control room through the fibre optic cables.

“The system will be connected with the central control room which will be continuously monitored by metro officials. A live telecast of the situation inside the train will also enhance control over malicious acts by commuters, such as mishandling metro property, for example, the door while the train is on the move,” he added.

“If required, the feeds of the software can also be made available on police officers’ laptops and networked vehicles, allowing first responders to view an onboard incident as it happens.”