202 railway stations sensitive, 106 covered by CCTV: Minister

The government on Friday said that 202 railway stations across the country have been identified as "sensitive" and 106 have been covered with CCTV cameras for surveillance.

"Based on the recommendations of a high level committee, 202 railway stations have been identified as sensitive for the purpose of installation of an Integrated Security System (ISS) to strengthen surveillance mechanism at these stations," Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

He added so far, 106 have been covered with CCTV cameras.

ISS includes Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, Access control, Personal and Baggage Screening System and Bomb Detection system.

The Minister said that contracts have already been awarded for execution of ISS works over 129 railway stations by 15 Zonal Railways.

"In addition, 139 baggage scanners, 32 under vehicle scanning system (UVSS), 217 door frame metal detectors (DFMD) and more than 1,000 hand held metal detectors (HHMD) have so far been provided under ISS."

He said that issues concerning availability of eligible vendors, inspection of items, availability of budget, were initially raised by Zonal Railways.

"These issues have since been addressed and all the Zonal Railways have been advised to ensure speedy implementation of ISS at all the identified sensitive stations," Gohain said.

The Minister said that under the Nirbhaya Fund, 983 railway stations have also been identified for installation of CCTV cameras.

"Besides ISS, CCTV surveillance system is available over 288 other railway stations," he added.

--IANS

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