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You pay for city's security beef-up

By: Shashank Rao    
  Mid Day Archives
 
 

After Mumbai terror attack, security measures at key projects have been beefed up with extra manpower, halogen lights and CCTVs put in place. However...

In the aftermath of the November Mumbai terror attacks, government agencies handling Mumbai's infrastructure projects are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the city's key projects are well-protected. Projects like the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL), Metro rail, elevated Sahar Road and Monorail are in for security upgrades.

The additional security measures also entail a rise in the cost of the projects. However, this additional cost will be recovered, in the form of a hiked-up toll, from the public who will use these
projects.

New security measures
1) Bandra-Worli Sea Link (see graphic) 
* Halogen lights underneath the sea link to keep a constant watch on untoward activity
* Boats and dinghies will not be allowed in a 100m radius of the BWSL
* Security force on speedboats will man the four-km stretch of BWSL
* Cops will stand guard at both ends of the sea link
* CCTV cameras will be installed on top of the cable, and at both ends of the link
After 26/11: The decision to introduce halogen lights and speedboats was taken after the terror attack. "We have written to the Mumbai Police to improve the security in and around BWSL. These additional measures will cost us at least Rs 3 crore."
- An MSRDC official

(The toll that was earlier slotted at Rs 37 will be hiked to Rs 40 to recover the cost of additional security)

2) Elevated Sahar Road
*
CCTV cameras installed on the streetlights of the elevated road
* Security personnel to man both domestic and international terminals
* Metal detectors to be put up at airport entry points
* An in-built access system to be set-up while approaching the International terminal
After 26/11: The decision to introduce in-built access system that scans vehicles and number plates was taken after the attack.
"The increase in cost after introducing security measures hasn't been ascertained, but it will run into crores."
- S Nandargikar, Chief Engineer, MMRDA

3)Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro rail
* Fire fighting systems and radios (during emergency) inside the metro rail coaches
* Video screen announcements inside the coaches during emergency
* CCTV cameras installed inside the coaches, bridges, car depot and at the station
After 26/11: Separate rooms for security personnel that may have bulletproof windows are being considered
"We are regularly coordinating with the state government agencies and preparing a comprehensive 'prevention and deterrence' plan.
- K P Maheshwari, Director, MMOPL

4) Monorail
*
CCTV cameras to be placed at the entrance, and inside the bogies
* Metal detectors and electronic doors at the entrance of the monorail station
After 26/11: Both these measures are part of the original security plan. Additional security measures will be introduced gradually.
"These security measures are part of the contract document and have to be followed."
- Dilip Kawatkhar, PRO, MMRDA

 
 









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