By Madhurima Ghosh –
In order to provide more safety and security to metro travelling passengers, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has decided to upgrade the pre-existing X-Ray baggage Scanning System (X-BIS System) to highly advanced scanners with unique features and in different phases.
These new baggage scanners (X-BIS System) are updated with following additional advanced features –
Faster Baggage Clearance
Earlier scanners could only handle 350 bags per hour where as the new upgraded version will now be able to handle up to 550 bags per hour. The conveyor belt speed has been increased for this from 18 cm per second to 30 cm per second. This would efficiently reduce the heavy passenger rush during busy hours at the frisking points.
Enhanced and Effective Surveillance
Large-sized monitors with high-resolution images are installed that will provide quick and instant identification of any explosive, arms threat etc during scanning. Also, X-ray penetration up to 35 mm thick steel plate will be possible during baggage inspection.
Inclined Input/Output Conveyor
The conveyor belt of the modified X-BIS system is made inclined and manually adjustable; it can be lowered down while putting or taking off the baggage. This will be more user friendly for elderly people and women travelers, to easily lift up and put their heavy baggages on the conveyor belt.
Continuous Audio-Video Monitoring
To capture continuous clear audio and video footage of the X-BIS process, a 360-degree camera is mounted just above the baggage scanner. This feature will specially be useful in case of any untoward incident such as theft, altercation between commuters, security staff etc.
For the on duty baggage operator (CISF staff) in the Scanning machine, additional provisions are made available like – charging Ports for Wireless Sets, hand-held metal detectors and mobile phones., provision of water bottle hanger and multi utility movable rack for placing uniform and other essential items etc.
Under phase I, 34 such high-tech baggage scanners with advanced features have already been installed at major stations such as Kashmere Gate, AIIMS, Vishwavidyalaya, HUDA City Centre, Rajouri Garden, Mayur Vihar Ph-1, NOIDA Sec-18, Palam etc., replacing the older X-BIS systems. Gradually, over 250 similar baggage scanners will be installed across all Delhi Metro stations by this year-end.