Mumbai port trust to adopt advanced security measures

The Mumbai port trust (MBPT) will be upgrading its security measures post the 26/11 terror attacks in the city, as well as recent accidents at the port.

The Mumbai port trust (MBPT) will be upgrading its security measures post the 26/11 terror attacks in the city, as well as recent accidents at the port.

HT Image

The MBPT recently upgraded its state-of-the-art vessel traffic management system (VTMS). This will help in smoothening traffic management of the Mumbai harbour. “The total cost of up gradation was Rs21crore,” said Rajeev Gupta, chairman, MBPT.

The MBPT has also planned to install integrated closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system to monitor its oil jetties and other vulnerable locations in the first phase. Gupta also said that more CISF personnel would be appointed at vulnerable locations and speedboats were to be hired.

Further, MBPT is planning to install long-range infrared cameras in its VTMS, to enable authorities to take action against unidentified vessels at night. The introduction of laser guided electric surveillance devices as a part of security measures, are also being contemplated.

The government has also planned to install transponders to help catch small boats on the VTMS and other vigilance systems.

The Director General of Light House shall be implementing the automatic identification system (AIS) based virtual marker system in the main water channel. The implementation is estimated to cost about Rs2 crores. “This will help avoid Chitra-Khalijia like accidents,” said a senior officer. The MBPT is hopeful that the AIS will be commissioned by coming June.