Sea link to have explosive scanners

In order to provide a safe and secure ride to motorists, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) is planning to install two explosive scanners and more CCTV cameras on the Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL).

A senior MSRDC official said the explosive scanners, which would cost around Rs24.50 crore each, would be installed at the Bandra end of the 4.7km-long BWSL. These scanners are expected to be set up by May-June 2013. The order has been placed with public sector Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

The scanners will help detect explosives, bombs and weapons, said the official, adding that the police would identify the vehicles for checking (as it will not be possible to scan all vehicles) and ask them to pass from these scanners. However, the passengers will have to alight from the vehicles when they are being scanned.
“We are also planning to set up CCTV cameras for surveillance on the entire length of the sea link,” said the official, adding that they were commissioning a survey to find out how many more cameras were needed on the bridge.

The MSRDC has already installed six CCTV cameras on the BWSL, which is named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and has been billed as a “piece of signature architecture” with three cameras on either sides but officials admit that the number is inadequate.

The BWSL, which was inaugurated in 2009, has been used at times by people to commit suicide. MSRDC officials said the Worli end of the BWSL was free and hence, provided unhindered access as its toll plaza is located at the Bandra end.