The Hindu : New Delhi News : High alert at Metro stations

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007
ePaper

New Delhi

New Delhi

High alert at Metro stations

Staff Reporter

“Coaches, stations have been equipped with fire-fighting systems”

Smoking prohibited inside the Metro premises
Public emergency system placed at the stations

NEW DELHI: In view of the recent blasts in Ludhiana and Ajmer and the ongoing festive season, security at the Delhi Metro railway stations has been stepped up.

While the Central Industrial Security Force, providing security to the rail network, has put its personnel on high alert, the DMRC has reviewed the safety arrangements inside the coaches and the stations.

“The coaches and the stations are equipped with fire-fighting systems that can be used in times of any untoward incident. While smoking is strictly prohibited inside the Metro premises, we are also prepared to handle fires caused by accidents or acts of terror,” said DMRC Chief Public Relations Officer Anuj Dayal. Explaining the steps taken by DMRC to ensure passenger safety, Mr. Dayal said: “We rely on dry transmitters instead of traditional oil transmitters…. Fire retardant low smoke cables are being used for maximum safety and in the underground section zero halogen fire retardant low smoke cables are used.”

The fire-survival cables can withstand temperatures of up to 950 degrees Celsius and are used for fire detection and emergency lighting.

“We have also taken care to provide non-combustible furniture inside the cabins and on the platforms. Even the wood used for the furniture is chemically treated for resisting fire to some extent. A false ceiling, which is again non-combustible and perforated, has been used so that smoke will go above making it a smoke reservoir.”

The station and coaches have been fitted with smoke detectors, heat detectors and combination detectors in underground open areas like corridors. “There are alarm systems, both manual call point and the break glass unit. Fire extinguishers have been placed at the stations and inside the trains. Hose reels, wet main, which has a capacity of one lakh litres of water at each station, and a dedicated water line have also been provided,” Mr. Dayal said.

To meet exigencies, a dedicated fireman’s staircase, evacuation staircases and ambulances have been put in place. The DMRC, which boasts an evacuation period of four minutes from platforms and stations, has also made provision for a special fire duct on the concourse and back-up for all fire-related items.

“We also have a public emergency system and information signboards placed at the stations. There is an emergency hotline connection with the Operational Control Centre. Cross passages have emergency trip system for overhead electricity. The same system is also installed at the platform edges,” Mr. Dayal added.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail