Title - RPF takes complete control of new security system

Consequent to the implementation of the hi-tech Integrated Security Scheme (ISS) at Tiruchi Junction recently, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) authorities have made some internal adjustments for the management of the new security measure.As per the original scheme of things, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) of the RPF was entrusted with the responsibility of wholly managing the ISS, which has four key components — Closed Circuit Television Surveillance System with Internet Protocol based cameras, Access Control, Personal Baggage Screening System, and Bomb Detection and Disposal System.Conscious of the crucial role of the BDDS that remains in a state of readiness to act in times of emergency, the authorities had now made some adjustments for managing the state-of-the-art ISS.Accordingly, the task of monitoring the movements in the platforms and station premises through the surveillance camera-based CCTV system, had now been entrusted with the RPF Tiruchi post situated adjacent to the junction.In addition to managing the CCTV component, personnel at the Tiruchi have been instructed to manage the personal baggage screening system.

The BDDS, which had been divested of the responsibility of managing the ISS, would now concentrate on the bomb detection and disposal.

The range of anti-sabotage equipment supplied under the ISS including bomb suits and bomb suppression blankets would be maintained by the BDDS.

The latest adjustment was aimed at keeping the BDDS for the stated purpose it had been constituted — for bomb detection and disposal — and not to deviate from its original duty, say RPF officers here. Since the services of BDDS personnel would be required, any moment to deal with emergency situation, they had been taken out from the task of watching the movements from the CCTV system.

Instead, personnel of the Tiruchi post would be posted in the centralised control room from where they would monitor the movements taking place in the platforms and station premises through the CCTV system.

The five monitors installed inside the control room are connected with the 29 surveillance cameras deployed at strategic points in the Junction to cover the platforms, subway, circulating, and booking areas besides the outer areas to enable the personnel watch the movements round-the-clock.

Adjustment

The latest adjustment for ISS management would soon be put in place following a direction from the RPF headquarters from Chennai to all divisions falling within the Southern Railway zone, say the officers.

Tiruchi is the sixth major station in the Southern Railway zone to be brought under the scope of the ISS that was conceived by the railway administration in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008. Additional strength is expected to be deputed to the Tiruchi post by drawing manpower from other places to manage the CCTV and baggage screening systems round-the-clock, said an officer.

The BDDS that was carrying out random checks at different stations falling within the limits of Tiruchi Division has now been instructed to conduct anti-sabotage checks on a daily basis at chosen stations following a directive from the zonal headquarters, say RPF sources.

Meanwhile, measures were put in place to install under vehicle scanners, also given under the ISS, at Tiruchi Junction. The scanners would be installed at the main entrance and at the Kallukuzhi entrance of the station.

R. RAJARAM writes that the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad will now focus on its core duties