For safer sea link,explosives detectors,speedboats & more

In June 2009,then city police chief D Sivanandhan had written to MSRDC stressing the need for security and warning that terrorists could use explosive-laden cars for an attack,especially on the cable-stayed portion.

“Initially we have floated tenders for a couple of relocatable explosive vehicle scanners that would be set up before the toll plaza. We also want to buy two high-speed motorbikes and two towing vans,and an observation tower. From the sea,we have sought two high-speed boats,a floating jetty and a 1.25-km buoy against entry of boats. Apart from that we want eight sets of walkie-talkies. The list of equipment has been prepared in consultation with the Mumbai Police,the CISF,” said a senior official.

Officials said these scanners will be manned by police officers. The highly accurate device takes about 15-20 seconds to detect explosives,arms or ammunition.

The MSRDC has already installed CCTV cameras at strategic locations along the bridge,the footage monitored in the traffic police headquarters at Worli. The MSRDC expects to procure and install the high-tech equipment by the year end.