From bomb suits to explosive detector,Metro plans to buy all with Rs 40 cr budget

To further enhance the security at citys Metro stations in view of terrorist threats,all the stations may soon get an upgraded security system...

To further enhance the security at citys Metro stations in view of terrorist threats,all the stations may soon get an upgraded security system if the Railway Ministry gives green light to the estimated Rs 40-crore project plan submitted by the Metro authorities.

The plan was made at the instance of the Railway Ministry. We have prepared an extensive plan of restructuring the security infrastructure at all Metro stations, said J K Mitra,Chief Operating Manager,Metro Railway,Kolkata.

According to Mitra,the need for stringent and upgraded security system was long overdue. The upgradation would not only include improving the existing security infrastructure but also an entire list of new security equipment that would be procured.

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Under the project plan,the number of CCTVs at the stations,currently 159,will be increased at a cost of Rs 18 crore. Similarly,the number of metal gates,currently 80,and hand-held metal detectors,currently 60,will also be increased.

Beside,new security equipment that Metro plans to purchase include bomb suppression blankets,high capacity X-Ray baggage screening system and two portable X-ray scanners. The Metro also plans to buy bomb suits,explosive vapour detectors and non-linear junction detector a specialised kind of bomb detecting equipment.

The Budget had already set aside the money meant to be invested for upgradation of security infrastructure at the Metro stations. Initially,the Metro Railway was looking for private funds but once the proposal is accepted, the Railway Ministry is expected to allocate Rs 40 crore, said a senior metro official.

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