Kolkata Metro fire: Reports recommend CCTV cameras, fire-proof doors
Jayanta Gupta | TNN | Jan 5, 2019, 07:14 IST
Picture used for representational purpose onlyKOLKATA: An interim report by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Eastern Circle, on the fire under a Metro coach near the Maidan station on December 27, 2018, states that “the No. 3 Third Rail Current Collector (TRCC) on the other side of the third rail got damaged due to sparks and the air spring (on the rear bogie of the motor coach) next to the TRCC caught fire. A detailed inquiry is on and the cause of the fire is being investigated.”
On Friday, Metro Railway received two reports with recommendations. One of these from the West Bengal fire services department and the other one from the CRS. Both reports are to do with the fire that emitted dense smoke resulting in panic among passengers. Some of the passengers in the coach, the undercarriage of which had caught fire, smashed the window panes and jumped down nearly eight feet. Twelve of them sustained injuries.
“So far as the recommendations of the fire department are concerned, we already have several measures in place. On December 27, all fire extinguishers at Maidan station worked properly. Personnel from our disaster management team doused the blaze. These teams participate in drills regularly with agencies like the National Security Guard (NSG) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). However, there aren’t any smoke sensors or fire alarms inside tunnels or at stations. We are still studying the report and will take appropriate measures wherever possible,” a senior Metro official said.
While none of the passengers suffered burn injuries, most complained of respiratory distress and some required oxygen. The fire department report also recommends the installation of smoke suppressors and fire-proof doors that would help protect vital equipment. It has also been suggested that the tunnels have bright lights that can be switched on during emergencies.
The CRS, meanwhile, has recommended the fitting of CCTV cameras and twoway communication systems between passengers and motormen in all coaches. He has also suggested that the communication be recorded and preserved for ascertaining facts. The CRS also suggested live feed from all surveillance cameras to play in front of the motormen for them to take necessary steps in case of emergencies. All announcements through the public-address system and two-way communication between passengers and motormen should also be recorded and played back after every trip.
“We have started the process of fitting CCTV cameras in AC rakes. Of the four new ICF rakes, two already have CCTV cameras in coaches with recording facilities. We have also floated a tender for fitting surveillance systems in the remaining two new and 13 older AC rakes. The process was initiated 6 months ago. A company has already submitted a quotation,” the official added.
On Friday, Metro Railway received two reports with recommendations. One of these from the West Bengal fire services department and the other one from the CRS. Both reports are to do with the fire that emitted dense smoke resulting in panic among passengers. Some of the passengers in the coach, the undercarriage of which had caught fire, smashed the window panes and jumped down nearly eight feet. Twelve of them sustained injuries.
“So far as the recommendations of the fire department are concerned, we already have several measures in place. On December 27, all fire extinguishers at Maidan station worked properly. Personnel from our disaster management team doused the blaze. These teams participate in drills regularly with agencies like the National Security Guard (NSG) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). However, there aren’t any smoke sensors or fire alarms inside tunnels or at stations. We are still studying the report and will take appropriate measures wherever possible,” a senior Metro official said.
While none of the passengers suffered burn injuries, most complained of respiratory distress and some required oxygen. The fire department report also recommends the installation of smoke suppressors and fire-proof doors that would help protect vital equipment. It has also been suggested that the tunnels have bright lights that can be switched on during emergencies.
The CRS, meanwhile, has recommended the fitting of CCTV cameras and twoway communication systems between passengers and motormen in all coaches. He has also suggested that the communication be recorded and preserved for ascertaining facts. The CRS also suggested live feed from all surveillance cameras to play in front of the motormen for them to take necessary steps in case of emergencies. All announcements through the public-address system and two-way communication between passengers and motormen should also be recorded and played back after every trip.
“We have started the process of fitting CCTV cameras in AC rakes. Of the four new ICF rakes, two already have CCTV cameras in coaches with recording facilities. We have also floated a tender for fitting surveillance systems in the remaining two new and 13 older AC rakes. The process was initiated 6 months ago. A company has already submitted a quotation,” the official added.
FROM AROUND THE WEB
more from times of india Cities
LATEST VIDEOS
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE