Western Railway fortifies security system for enhancing travelling experience of passengers

With a move to tighten security at railway premises, Western Railway has adopted the latest technological advancements in the field of security such as the Artificial Intelligence based Infrared Intruder Alarm System, Body worn Cameras, Segways, Talk Back System. These systems help to monitor and keep a vigilant eye over the railway premises & curb untoward incidents.

GM Alok Kansal has exhorted to adopt the latest & advanced technology to fortify our security system. Due to the sustained efforts, there has been tremendous decline in the crime incidents reported.

The overall crime incidents against passengers reported in the current year 2021 (upto the month of August) is 1168. Similarly, the passenger crimes reported in the year 2020 came down to 2875, as against 11283 in the year 2019, which is a decline by 90 percent. It is also noteworthy to mention that with the help of CCTV camera surveillance, 33 cases were detected and 41 persons arrested in the year 2019, while in the year 2020, the number of cases detected were 21, as well as 21 persons arrested.

In this year, upto August 2021, 34 cases were detected in which 38 persons have been arrested, with the help of CCTV surveillance. Besides stations, security measures are also being strengthened in local trains to safeguard passengers, especially, women commuters from anti-social elements, etc. 48 local trains have been equipped with 1397 CCTV cameras, out of which 139 are installed in ladies coaches while 58 are in general coaches. The remaining ladies coaches will also be covered by CCTVs soon.

As an additional convenience for commuters during emergencies & any other exigencies, Talk Back System has been provided in 87 coaches including 27 ladies coaches. In addition to the above, special teams of security personnel have been formed at major stations to detect & prevent offences against the passengers. They work in close co-ordination with GRP & local police for identification of black spots operated by Fatka gangs.

The available information & photographs about criminals are exchanged on regular basis with the concerned authorities to detect & apprehend the culprits. Regular surveillance is also being done on habitual offenders & past convicts through Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) & Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS) portal.

With an aim to boost the security measures over Mumbai suburban section, various measures have been adopted by the Security Department. WR has installed more than 2700 cameras across the suburban station to detect any susceptible movements or activities at railway premises. Out of these, 450 cameras have the face recognition features which are installed at vulnerable areas.

It enables round the clock monitoring, to keep tab on security threats at stations. Another break-through technology is the Infrared Intruder Alarm System which operates with seven Infra-Red based CCTV camera feeds ensuring 360 Degree coverage. It sends distress call, SMS or Mail to the security control to alert staff for quick response. With quick response time and 24 hours coverage with night vision capability, this system will ensure that the area has a fool-proof security.