Title - Security and Surveillance System at Ernakulam Jn to go on stream by July 31

The integrated security and surveillance system, planned at important railway stations across the country, will be functional at Ernakulam Jn Railway station by the end of July. As per initial plans, the security system, was to be operational by July 2012. The security system includes closed-circuit television (CCTV), personnel and baggage screening system, under-vehicle scanners, bomb detection and disposal system.

Sources said 38 of the 64 CCTV cameras planned at the station were installed recently. Railways hopes to complete the installation process over the next two weeks. CCTV cameras have been installed at the entrance and exits, platforms and booking offices. It will also cover eateries and parking lot.

Recently, railways reviewed the work progress with NELCO, the agency in charge of the project and they planned to complete the installation by July 15. A team from the company also visited the station last week and identified places for installing the under-vehicle scanners. “The wiring for installing luggage scanners has been completed and it can be installed at any time,” said an official. The personnel and baggage scanners have been lying unused for than a year said sources since the agency had given priority to railway stations in Tamil Nadu. The control room work is progressing and parcel office will also be given metal detectors to scan luggage.

After integrated security system becomes fully operational, entry will be restricted through select spots. In Kerala, three stations were selected by railway for setting up integrated security system – Kozhikode, Ernakulam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram Central. The integrated security system started functioning in Kozhikode in February 2013.