The Western Railways (WR) plans to upgrade the CCTV network to bolster surveillance at all suburban stations soon by installing an integrated security system (ISS). Tenders for the ISS, estimated to cost over Rs12.74 crore, were floated recently. Following the terror attacks that took place on July 11, 2006 when seven blasts took place at local trains and the November 26, 2008 terror attack in the city, the WR was forced to take stock of the security preparedness at railway station.

The ISS aims to integrate security arrangements at all stations so that it can be controlled better during emergencies.

“We already had a security and surveillance system in place after the July 2006 serial blasts, but we decided to upgrade it,” said a senior railway official of the WR.

According to sources, tenders for ISS that have already been floated are expected to be finalised within the next few months.

As a part of the ISS, a network 432 internet protocol (IP)-based CCTVs will be installed at suburban stations. Besides, 10-12 peripheral control rooms will also be put in place.

Apart from this, two X-ray baggage scanners will also be procured for important stations such as Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus. 

The official also added that all security and surveillance systems procured under the ISS would be integrated with each other so that data can be stored for longer periods.

WR has already installed about 516 CCTVs, 20 DFMD (Door Frame Metal Detector), 500 HHMD (Hand Held Metal Detector) among other security systems on its suburban stations post the July 2006 serial blasts.