Focus System

Safety and Security in Metro Rail Projects

Abstract

Indian Railways (IR) owns and manages one of the world’s largest Railway networks with over 64,000 Route Kilometers (Km) and over 7,000 stations. Operations of the Indian Railways are monitored and overseen by the Ministry of Railways (MOR), Government of India and 16 Zonal Railways headed by General Managers. The IR carries more than 17.5 million passengers every day, and some of the major Railway stations handle 100200 million passengers per annum.

Almost all the railway stations are located in the middle of the cities under IR, which offers enormous potential for redevelopment and commercial expansion with passengers’ travel option in an enormous volume. New passenger terminals are also being developed in cities where existing terminals cannot meet future demand.

Metro Rail Services – An Introduction

There exist nearly 200 operational metro rail systems (MRS) worldwide. The International Association of Public Transport defines an MRS as an urban electric transport system with high capacity and service frequency. Also, an MRS is independent of other traffic, road or pedestrian. According to the World Metro Database, more than 150 MRS are either at the planning stage or already under construction across the globe. In particular, like China and India, emerging economies are rapidly building urban metro rail systems in their growing cities to decongest road traffic and provide more environmentally friendly means of transport to their communities.

A recent study by the Association of the European Rail Industry found that the global market for metro rail infrastructure

and equipment has been growing at a rate of 3.2% per year through the global downturn (2008–2010), and is set to continue its growth at a rate of about 2.7% per year until 2017 and around 2.5% annually till 2025, especially in 3rd world or underdeveloped and developing economies.

In the design of a metro system, the emphasis is placed upon facilitating the movement of passengers. Owing to their functionality, metro rail projects were conceived as ‘open architecture’ systems, and little attention was paid to security. Past incidents have shown that MRS provide suitable environments to passengers and offenders, such as pickpockets and sexual offenders. However, one of the major concerns is that Metros are notorious target sites for terrorists seeking to

create mass panic, disrupt the daily life of a city, adversely affect transport infrastructure for several days and cause a significant symbolic impact. This was evidenced by the recent series of bombings against Madrid’s Cercanias commuter train system in 2004, London Underground in 2007, Mumbai suburban rail network in 2008 and Moscow Metro in 2010.

Metro in India

Metro Services in India was first started in Calcutta in 1984. The beginning of metro services in the city of Joy – Calcutta marked a new transportation mode in the country. The then Calcutta is known as Kolkata today. The first metro train in Calcutta on a 3.4 km track was started between Bawanipur (known as Netaji Bhawan today) and Esplanade. This was an underground metro system. Gradually this route was expanded. Presently, Kolkata has a total operational metro route of 33.02 km. Apart from these, a no. of routes are under construction or proposed.

In the year 2002, the second metro services in India was started in New Delhi. The first metro in Delhi was run between Shahdara and Tees Hazari with a total length of 8.5 kms. After that, Delhi never

Today, Delhi Metro is the largest metro service in the country, with a total operation length of 389 kms. Metro services in India are developing at a rapid rate. Presently, it is available in 18 cities of the country on a total operational track of nearly a thousand kms. By 2025, metro services in India are expected to be operational in 25 cities with a total running track of 1700 kms.

Characteristics of Metro Rail Services Metro Rail System (MRS) has emerged as one of the most popular transportation system in public domain. There are several characteristics of metro rail network stated as under:

• Metro train system has proven to be most efficient in terms of energy consumption, space occupancy and numbers transported.

• Metro trains are known for their high transportation capability. Metro trains are high capacity carriers. It can carry a very high volume of passengers in peak hour, peak direction trips.

• These are eco-friendly transportation system, which causes no air pollution and much lesser sound pollution.

• MRS (Metro Rail System) is known for low energy consumption. Compared to a road-based system, the energy consumption is 20% lower per passenger over a kilometre distance.

• It has a relatively higher traffic capacity. It carries as much traffic as seven lanes of bus traffic or 24 lanes of car traffic on either way.

• Metro trains are known for very low ground space occupation. It requires a width of 2 meters only for an elevated rail.

• It is a faster mode of transportation. Reduces transportation

time by 50-75% compared to road or bus transportation.

Therefore, it is evident from the above information that metro services today have become one of the most reliable, safe, cheaper, efficient and popular mode of transportation for urban commuters. The only drawback of the Metro Rail System can be stated to be its availability in urban areas.

Since metro service is a modern transportation system and requires huge infrastructure, modern equipments and technological input must be developed. Hence, the Metro network is developed in Urban areas only.

However, seeing the pace of metro development and its increasing popularity, metro services are expected to be developed in semi and sub-urban areas.

Planning of Metro Services

The planning of metro (rapid transit) networks is usually predominantly empirical. Consideration of local conditions, such as demand characteristics, transportation corridors, and requirements for certain station locations, are some of the prerequisites that need to be kept in mind before the development of Metro Rail Network non-existent area.

It’s also worth mentioning that because of the high cost of metro construction and the permanence of its facilities, it is important to design optimal networks with respect to service for passengers, the efficiency of operation, and the metro system’s relationship to the city. This is a complex task, and it deserves more attention than it has received until now. An attempt is made in this study to provide materials that may assist in the planning and design of metro system networks, lines, and stations.

The development of a Metro Rail Network or System is in three different phases -

• Establishment Phase • Development Phase • Running Phase

• Expansion Phase • Number of lines and their lengths

The Establishment phase is the preliminary or initial phase in which the requirement, scope, availability and operational prospect of metro services in a non-existent area are ascertained. Factors like traffic in the area, need for an alternative mode of transportation, availability or crowd of passengers, safety requirements (safety and ease of women passengers) are considered. After due scrutiny and evaluation of the need for the metro services in the area, the second phase of the metro network is initiated. The infrastructure for running the metro is developed. Safety and Security in Metro Rail Networks

Like all the infrastructures, Metro Rail Network also require a high degree of safety and security to ensure its operation and provide the passengers with a safe and reliable commuting option.

Metro today is considered the safest transportation option, especially for the vulnerable class of the society i,e; Women passengers who travel alone. These women are usually at a high risk of physical abuse, molestation, and physical assault due to their travel in a crowded, unorganised, and busy area of a town, city, urban, or suburban area. Metro travel ensures the safety and security of every passenger. The commuters right from their entry in the metro terminal to the exit point feel safe and secured where numerous surveillance cameras guard them. CCTVs, barricading, multiple checks ensure ruling out any chaos or disorder.

The alert security personnel, marshall and volunteers keep a check on unfavoured or scrupulous entry or escape.

The safety and security in the metro rail network is a broader concept and requires an in-depth evaluation. The safety concern in the metro rail system (MRS) is a major observation and requirement in all the phases (viz; Establishment, Development, running and extension) of the metro transportation development.

Development of stations, metro rail network, all infrastructural requirements such as signalling, coaches, depots etc., are developed in this phase so that metro transportation can be made operational. The last stage of Metro services development is the passenger movement and transportation with comfort, ease and safety.

Metros are meant for passenger transportation only; hence, the running phase of the metro is the final phase of the Metro services in a city or area where metros become fully functional and operational. The fourth stage, i.e., Metro rail Network’s expansion state in a city or town, is basically optional. This is where metro services are expanded after their initial runs on a smaller area or track. Metros require a huge investment. It needs high technical inputs too. Hence, metro services are expanded gradually. After trail or successful runs, the metro services are brought into an expansion phase, and an additional metro rail network is developed. The major safety and security concern in the pre-running stage are as under :

However, certain elements help decide the size and form of a metro network in an area :

• The population of the served area. • The surface of the served area • Vehicle-km operated every day • Vehicle or car capacity • Vehicles per train (transit unit TU) • Operating Speed • Frequency of Service • Number of metro passengers per day • Number of passengers per year • Average Trip Length • Number of total transit passengers per day • Number of stations on the network • Number of stations with park-and-ride • Schematic map of network with stations Safety Management Measures: For a proper system to develop, project authority establishes safety programmes following rules, regulations, and guidelines before the construction. These would help to avoid and reduce the number of accidents.

Labour Camp: Labour camps with adequate health care facilities, sanitation facilities, shelter at the workplace, canteen facilities, first aid facilities, preventive measures from infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, day crèche are a few of the requisites under safety and security of metro rail networks which ensures proper development of the infrastructural requirement of the metro rail network.

Energy Management: Metro Rail Network is an energy-efficient transportation system. The energy management measures include the conservation of energy at construction sites. The use of energy-efficient motors and pumps, energy-efficient

lighting, energy-efficient luminaires, adequate and uniform illumination level suitable for the task, and energy-efficient air conditioner are some of the steps taken to conserve energy at work stations and construction sites.

Hazardous Waste Management: The disposal of hazardous waste is taken into concern so that there is no harm to the ecosystem.

Environmental Safeguard: Environment sanitation is also carried out at work site, construction depot, labour camp, stores, offices, toilets/urinals etc.

Utility: Utilities like sewers, water mains, stormwater drains, telephone cables, electrical transmission lines are also

maintained in working order during different construction stages.

Historical & Cultural Monuments: Before the initiation of construction, the metro development authority or construction company conducts a condition survey of important historical structures in the vicinity of alignment to identify the structures’ impact during the project’s construction and operation. If there’s any structure of importance, then there’s usually an adequate management plan to preserve the structures. A suitable amount or other options generally compensate it.

Air Pollution Control Measures: It is an important safety concern where air pollution control measures are considered. During the construction period, the air quality tends to decline due to an increase in Particulate Matter (PM) and emission of construction vehicles and machinery. These add to huge carbon emissions.

However, during nonpeak hours, use of RMC and pre-cast panels, optimisation of construction machinery’s use, silent DG sets with the pollution control device, a sprinkling of water and covered lorries are some of the measures that are taken into consideration to reduce the air pollution during construction.

Noise Control Measures: The noise generated during construction is minimised by using silent DG sets, acoustic enclosures, temporary noise barriers, job rotation to the extent possible for construction workers, and scheduling of truck loading, unloading and hauling operation.

Vibration Control Measures: Measures are taken to minimise the vibration impact by continuous vibration monitoring during construction, periodic vibration during operation,

Vibration monitoring at site and at the top of the building mainly for old structures and heritage buildings, pre-construction structural integrity inspections of historic and sensitive structures.

Traffic Diversion/ Management: The traffic at some station locations during construction is usually diverted to avoid congestion. The traffic management plan includes advance traffic information on communication systems and partial blocking of the road etc.

Disaster management plan

Disaster can occur due to subsidence, accidents, fire hazards, etc., during construction wile system failure (power supply, break down etc.), fire hazards and accidents during the operation stage. Hence, preventive action, a full-proof communication system, an emergency action committee and emergency measures are taken to avoid any incident as such.

Institutional framework

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is the nodal agency in the central government’s administrative structure for planning, promotions, co-ordination, and overseeing India’s environmental and forestry policies and programs. The primary responsibilities of MoEF include:

• Environmental resource conservation and protection, including environmental impact assessment, clearance of developmental projects;

• Co-ordination with the other ministries and agencies, voluntary organisations and professional bodies for environmental action plans;

• Promotion of research and development, manpower planning and training and creation of environmental awareness;

• Liaison and co-ordination with international agencies involved in environmental matters.

A robust institutional framework ensures environment protection while taking consideration into technological development and modern means of transportation. Complete Integration of Security, Safety, Communication, and Facility Automation

Safety and Security in Operational and Extension phase of MRS

Public transportation plays an important role in people’s lives everywhere – and as populations age, this role will continue to grow. However, in recent years the transportation industry has become increasingly vulnerable to security risks. One of the greatest challenges is to protect train stations, where the rail industry faces a crucial need to guard passengers, employees, goods, infrastructure, and assets against possible threats. These facilities, in particular, have become at least as vulnerable as airports. Therefore, they must meet very demanding criteria regarding security, safety, communications, and building automation to uphold their reputation as providers of safe, well-organised services that travellers and freight forwarders can rely on.

The security and safety risks at a train station can include vandalism and graffiti, theft, drug dealing, fire, and acts of terrorism. Managing them is challenging since many different areas need to be monitored: tracks, underground passageways, bicycle and car parking areas, buildings, luggage storage facilities, and parked railway cars and engines. The lack of access restrictions at most train stations also means that there is a need for special solutions for monitoring all areas.

With all of the security, safety, communication and building automation systems installed in a train station, it is a challenge to manage and coordinate them all efficiently.

Building Management System -

The Building Integration System (BIS) is a modern technology that gives a 360 degrees surveillance of the entire building where all security-related activities are carried out. The BIS is a single Web-based cockpit for monitoring all security, safety, and building management systems. This includes alarm management, fast alarm pinpointing via location maps, and follow-up procedures. It also seamlessly integrates fire and intrusion alarms and evacuation, access control, CCTV, and building automation systems. The use of the Building Integration System lets a single operator monitor and control all security systems and enable faster responses to emergencies and greater overall effectiveness.

Major Components of a Building Management System of any Security Solution

• Prevention of terrorism • Surveillance at various locations

• Access Control • Prevention of sabotage and vandalism • Fire prevention • Evacuations and announcements • Intrusion control • Prevention of accidents

Prevention of Terrorism: Metro stations are vulnerable centres from a security point of view. Due to various outdoor and indoor facilities, many of which are accessible at all hours, it is a targeted point where terrorist and militant activities are accomplished for the maximum casualty.

To rule out acts of terrorism and vandalism, the security challenges include:

• Preventing and responding to diverse acts of terrorism such as bombings, bomb threats, suicide attacks, and sabotage

• Dealing with the fire and explosion risks associated with the on-site storage of flammable liquids

• Identifying and checking abandoned bags

• Access control for restricted areas

• In dangerous situations, quickly getting people to safety in an organised way

By using modern technological equipment, these challenges are faced to a considerable extent today. The various steps include :

• Efficiently monitor all areas and activities to detect fires, emergencies, and threats immediately

• Detect potentially dangerous individuals before they can cause any trouble

• Make public announcements to inform travellers of arriving and departing trains and, for example, remind them not to leave bags unattended

• Conduct fast, controlled evacuations

• Integrate all safety, security, and communications solutions in a building management system for central monitoring and control

• Monitor all approaches to the station

Meeting these challenges gives employees and passengers confidence in the safety of train stations and the railway system.

Similarly, by using CCTVs, Surveillance Cameras, Fire Alarm Systems, Intrusion Alarm system, Public Address and Voice Evacuation System, IP- based video surveillance system, Access control systems, IVA (Advanced Intelligence Video Analysis), Tracking cameras, Video Management System, High- quality public address and voice evacuation systems, fire panels and detectors are some of the modern-day tools which are increasingly helpful in surveillance, access control, prevention of sabotage and vandalism, fire prevention, evacuation and announcements. Intrusion control is also ensured using these systems. Intelligent video analysis and virtual perimeter fencing is helping to reduce accidents and train collisions.

Safety and Security in Metro Rail Projects:

Few Prominent Examples Sao Paulo. Brazil

The South American metropolis, having a high incidence of violence, with the help of a sophisticated electronic monitoring solution, managed to increase the security of the three million passengers who ride it each day. The CCTV system for the city’s five subway lines with 55 stations has 121 fixed and 17 dome cameras in a gigabit ring network, managed by 10 DiBOS digital video recorders and a BIS video engine. The video streams are monitored at a leadingedge security control centre equipped with six monitors and two plasma screens. State-of-the-art digital recording and communication technology lets staff quickly retrieve images and immediately take appropriate action to deal with critical situations.

The Channel Tunnel Between France and the U.K.

The Channel Tunnel is the world’s longest underwater tunnel. The tunnel poses an extreme environment due to its lowlight conditions, high-pressure air flows, high humidity, and salinity. But, the ultra-high-resolution cameras installed here in 2003 has enabled uninterrupted underground surveillance ever since. Extreme Series cameras capture images under the most challenging conditions, including corrosive or volatile atmospheres and vandal-prone areas.

The Subway of Munich, Germany

Munich’s subway system, Germany, has an efficient network proliferating CCTV surveillance cameras for easy central monitoring.

The Ladozhsky Rail Terminal in St. Petersberg, Russia

Ladozhsky Rail Terminal is one of Russia’s largest train stations with the world’s first fully digital voice evacuation system with advanced functionalities such as a single optical cable for digital audio, control data distribution high-performance amplifiers with digital audio equalisation.

From the above data, it can be concluded that safety and security are some of the most important Metro Rail System factors (MRS). It helps in the accomplishment of Metro Rail Projects with ease and safety and ensures the same to its commuters after becoming operational.