The authorities of Kolkata Metro Railway are mulling over plans to install cameras inside 15 air-conditioned rakes of north-south metro corridor. While proposal to install similar cameras on the exterior of the rake, is also being considered.
The metro railway is planning to install four cameras in each coach and one each in the cabins of the guard and the motorman, according to sources in metro. Additionally, proposals are also being considered to install cameras outside AC rakes to enhance surveillance at the doors during entry of coaches in the platforms.
The decision comes after the commissioner of railway safety carrying an enquiry of the death of 66-year-old Sajal Kanjilal being electrocuted at the third rail current connector, on 13 July at Park Street Station, recommended for the installation of cameras for better surveillance inside the coaches.
Notably, in an earlier enquiry report also, on the incident of fire near Maidan Metro Station in December, among the host of suggestions, the CRS had recommended each rake to have audio and video surveillance system for complete monitoring. A similar suggestion has again been given by the CRS, for a second time, sources in metro railway said.
While the AC coaches, who are newer in the stock of 25 odd rakes, are to be upgraded with cameras both in and outside of the rake, the older lot, however, will continue to run without cameras. The reason, as given by the metro officials, being that the older rakes when manufactured did not have the provision for rexo fit. Another reason is that the older rakes are to be discarded once their replacements are available.
Taking a cue from the recent incident of the death of Kasba resident and the observation by the CRS, the metro officials installed mirrors at Part Street metro station on Wednesday. The mirrors has been installed to enable the driving motorman to see the boarding of commuters in the first four coaches before starting the metro. It will also help the motorman to observe the boarding of passengers in the last four coaches from his cab. As informed by metro officials, similar mirrors will be installed in all the 24 Metro stations within a month.
Meanwhile, the motorman of rake leaving Rabindra Sadan metro station at around 4.25 p.m. today, observed some foreign materials lying on the tracks beside the platform. On reporting the matter to the metro officials, engineers swung into action. The foreign material was found to be a rod, according to metro officials. A power block was taken and the rake was stopped. After removal of the rod, the rake, however, resumed its speed within 10 minutes.