New Delhi
Parking lots next to Delhi metro stations will be brought under Close Circuit Tele Vision (CCTV) surveillance besides "hidden and obscure" areas inside the building, after a recent security audit of the modern transport system outlined certain vulnerable areas.
The audit, conducted by a joint team of central security agencies, has found that parking lots next to big and vital station complexes like Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, Karol Bagh among others should be brought under the watch of the CCTV cameras equipped with TPZ (Tilt, Pan, Zoom) facility.
While the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) a secures the metro stations from inside, the Delhi police guards their premises.
Certain locations inside the stations like areas behind bend of a wall, areas in front of lifts will also be covered by the CCTV cameras, sources said.
They said almost 500-600 CCTV cameras might be needed to secure the areas identified at 82 operational stations, but the actual numbers are still to be worked out.
In case an unauthorised activity is detected by the cameras, the Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) stationed outside the stations could be informed to meet any exigency. Till now, there is no such system and the Delhi Police patrol is the norm, sources said. The CCTV cameras are monitored by both the CISF and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) staff at different control rooms.
Certain areas in stations which were beyond an obstruction like a wall or pillar and places declared "inaccessible" by the metro authorities will be brought under CCTV surveillance, they said.
The audit has also asked the CCTV control rooms to enhance their capacity to source in more video data and store them for longer periods.
While installing CCTVs at more locations will not only plug security loopholes, but also help Metro authorities curb thefts in their vicinity. The number of stations are expected to increase to 141 by October, when the Commonwealth Games will begin, they said.
Keeping in view the expansion of metro operations to states like Uttar Pradesh (Noida) and Haryana (Gurgaon), the CISF will also induct almost 16,000 security personnel.
Delhi metro's new Bombardier coaches already have CCTVs installed in them.
