CCTV cameras, panic button, real-time monitoring in MMTS trains on the anvil

SCR enhances security inside MMTS trains post last Saturday’s incident of attempt to molest a woman passenger.

All suburban trains compartments will have real-time monitoring by RPF/GRP personnel.

South Central Railway (SCR) has announced plans to install CCTV cameras in all MMTS suburban trains compartments with real-time monitoring by RPF/GRP personnel and equip every ladies’ coach with easily accessible panic buttons linked to a control room and the train guard.

Shocked by the incident of an attempt made to allegedly sexually assault a lone woman passenger on way to Medchal in the local train service on Saturday night, top officials led by General Manager Arun Kumar Jain got into a huddle to come out with a series of short-term and long-term measures to increase the security and safety measures for passengers, especially women and those travelling alone on Tuesday.

Chief PRO A. Sridhar informed, in a press release, that the officials are also exploring integrating the existing security helpline of ‘139’ with a mobile app featuring a one tap ‘SOS’ option, have WhatsApp groups managed by female RPF personnel to address women commuters’ grievances and emergencies immediately. Feedback too is to be taken from women passengers to address their concerns during their travel.

RPF personnel are to be issued breath analysers for conducting on-the-spot tests and ensuring the removal of intoxicated passengers and display screens are to be placed inside trains to communicate safety messages and important security information for passengers.

To begin with, more female Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) staff are to be deployed on trains with joint teams, especially in ladies’ compartments and MMTS trains, ensure regular patrolling by these personnel, especially during late-night and early-morning hours.

Emergency numbers are to be displayed prominently in all the ladies coaches and at conspicuous places. Regular announcements will be made through public address systems in railway stations, display of posters on railway premises and digital platforms to educate passengers about safety measures, helpline numbers, and reporting on suspicious behaviour.

‘Meri Saheli’ teams have been instructed to move in MMTS trains with a specific focus on high-risk routes with mandatory checking. Escorting of vulnerable trains/sections by all station officers, deployment of officers in plainclothes in random trains based on complaints and crime history will be implemented. Steps will be taken to ensure well-lit trains and stations to deter crime, the release added.