Security systems lying idle at Kozhikode railway station

KOZHIKODE: The security systems installed at the Kozhikode railway station as part of the Integrated Security Surveillance (ISS) are dysfunctional due to lack of maintenance. 

NELCO, a Hyderabad-based company  entrusted with  setting up the security equipment in the railway stations in South India, has shown no urgency in completing the works.

Two under-vehicle scanners installed here about a  year ago are lying idle. The CCTV surveillance system is still on trial run and  looked after by the railway signal department.

According to railway sources, NELCO has not  responded to the request to make the  under-vehicle scanners  operational. “NELCO has not handed over the  scanners to us saying that the works have not been completed. The scanners have been lying unused for some time,” Mr Abdul Salam,  Inspector Protection Force, Kozhikode,  who is responsible for managing the installations,  told Deccan Chronicle.  The  same is the condition of the scanners installed at Mangalore railway station, sources said.

As part of the ISS, 50 CCTV cameras , two luggage scanners, a parcel scanner, six-door-frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors and  bomb detection and disposal systems have been installed at Kozhikode  station. According to sources, many of them are not functioning.  

“We believe that Kozhikode railway station is in a safe zone. However, we should remember  that bombs were exploded at  Thrissur railway station. We cannot take security lightly in the present circumstances,” a Southern Railway official said.