Title - Railways in state put key safety plans on waiting list

KOZHIKODE: Despite clamour from various corners to increase safety of passengers in stations and trains, the railways seems to be in no hurry even to implement the proposed surveillance security system in railway stations in the state.

As part of the move to put in place a high-end integrated security surveillance system (ISS) in 14 major stations in the south, it was decided to include stations in state capital, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode from the state. Railway's initial plan was to set up the system by March 2012, but it pushed the date of commissioning for Kerala to July 2012.

Well past deadline, the railway has not even bought the required equipment yet. A senior security official of the Southern Railway said the works for installing the CCTV cameras are half-way through but it would not be operational in near future. The reason he attributed is the delay in purchase of cameras and other security apparatus.

The ISS includes CCTV system with around 50 surveillance cameras in each station apart from vehicle scanning systems at entry or exit points and doorframe metal detectors.

Sub Inspector of railway police force, Kozhikode, Sashidharan, said if the system is put in place in railway stations, it will help in containing crimes in major city stations.

"The surveillance cameras will help in keeping a tab on passengers in platforms, booking offices, food parlours and parking spaces. It will help in tracing the persons involved in criminal activities in railway stations," he said.

Sources at RPF said the security system will reduce petty crimes such pick-pocketing and ensure greater safety to women and children.