The Hindu : New Delhi News : DMRC’s safety measures

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Monday, Sep 15, 2008
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New Delhi

DMRC’s safety measures

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The surge in terror attacks keeps the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on a perpetual alert. While the Central Industrial Security Force is responsible for the metro security, the stations and the coaches have been designed to ensure the minimal impact to life and property.

“We carry out mock drills to assess the preparedness of various agencies in responding to emergency situations. The drills simulate scenarios depicting a terrorist attack, a toxic gas attack and a bomb blast besides an exercise to defuse a bomb,” said Anuj Dayal, Chief Public Relations Officer of DMRC. Listing the safety features of the metro he said: “The coaches and the stations are equipped with fire fighting systems to handle fires caused by accidents or terror attacks. Fire retardant low smoke cables are used for maximum safety.”

Fire survival cables

The fire survival cables can withstand temperature of up to 950 degree Celsius and are used for fire detection and emergency lighting. Non-combustible furniture is used inside the cabins and on the platforms. A false, non-combustible, perforated ceiling is used so that smoke will go above making it a smoke reservoir.

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

To allow easy evacuation provisions have been made for a dedicated fireman’s staircase, evacuation staircases, ambulances and a special fire duct on the concourse. The DMRC, however, has one advise for all passengers, “The one thing that all commuters must do in case of emergency is to follow the instructions of the staff. They are trained and they know best, so the safest bet is to follow their directions,” he said.

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