The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has started introducing new highly advanced baggage scanners at its metro stations in a phased manner to strengthen the ‘X-ray Baggage Scanning System’ or ‘X-BIS System’ and further upgrade the security for its passengers.
This advanced system in scanners ensures more convenience for the elderly and women passengers while lifting and placing heavy baggage items through the system. Currently, there are 34 such scanners with specialised commuter-friendly features which have already been installed at major stations like Kashmere Gate, AIIMS, Vishwavidyalaya, HUDA City Centre, Rajouri Garden, Mayur Vihar Phase 1 and Noida Sector 18.
Gradually, more than 250 ‘X-ray Baggage Scanning Systems’ will be installed across all the metro stations by the end of the year. Presently, there are around 400 scanning machines installed at various metro stations in the DMRC network. These advanced baggage scanning systems will upgrade the security at baggage scanning points and make it more convenient for the passengers.
The advanced baggage scanners will be fitted with additional features such as faster baggage clearance, increased and efficient surveillance, inclined input and output conveyor belt, and continuous audio and video monitoring. With an increased conveyor belt speed, the scanners will now be able to handle 550 bags per hour. This is a significant improvement as earlier they used to handle 350 per hour. The speed increase from 18 cm per second to 30 cm per second is intended to reduce the heavy passenger rush, especially during peak hours.
It will include newly-installed large-size monitors with high-resolution images that will ensure quick and instant assessment of any explosive or arms threat. The baggage inspection will also be capable of X-ray penetration up to even a 35 mm thick steel plate.
The modified X-BIS system will have a manually adjustable and extendable inclined conveyor belt system which can be lowered down while putting in the baggage and the same at the output. This will especially help the elderly passengers and women to easily put their heavy baggage on a low-level conveyor.
A 360-degree camera will be mounted just above the baggage scanner which will be able to capture clear audio and video footage of the process which may be useful in case of any untoward incident such as theft, or altercation between commuters, security staff, etc.
