Metro to deploy QRTs on trains to respond to emergencies

CHENNAI: Taking note of the suggestions for improvement given by women commuters, the Chennai Metro Rail has decided to deploy Quick Response Teams at all stations and on trains from February. Officials from Chennai Metro Rail said the decision was taken after an extensive women-safety survey that concluded last month, which had around 12,000 respondents.

“The Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will travel with women passengers in female-only coaches for safety and to provide quick response in case of any untoward incidents,” an official told DT Next, adding that this is part of a slew of measures that the CMRL has initiated based on the survey.

Initiated in June as part of the ridership improvement programme, the four-month-long survey from June looked at various parameters to improve the overall transit experience for female passengers.

The survey was based on the frequency of ridership, safety while travelling, incidents of harassment, easy navigation of women-only compartments, installation of CCTV cameras, availability of feeding rooms at stations, and safety during early mornings and late nights.

Officials said 95 per cent of respondents said that the transit is safer for women, but also gave several suggestions for improvement, which are currently being addressed by CMRL.

Speaking to DT Next, a CMRL official said, “Many respondents highlighted vulnerable spots in station locations, which lack lighting and CCTV camera coverage. Taking this into consideration, we have begun installing lights and also floated a tender for CCTV cameras.”

The female passengers also noted male passengers travelling in female-only coaches, especially during peak hours and late nights. “To prevent this, we are making manual announcements and urging passengers to use the CMRL helpline at 1860-425-1515 for assistance,” the official added.

Use Passenger Safety Intercom, urge officials

If they face trouble, commuters, especially women, can use the ‘Passenger Safety Intercom’ installed near the train door to immediately report the matter, said officials. Four intercoms are installed in each coach for emergencies and to report harassment, drinking, smoking, etc. inside trains.

“For reporting, passengers can press the green button of the intercom, which will alert the train operator. Then the camera inside the train will span near the intercom to identify the caller. All train doors will remain shut until the security personnel reach the coach to respond to the complaint,” explained an official.

The safety system has already led to two arrests, one at Vadapalani station and another at Airport station, both related to harassment inside a female-only coach.