Russia plans to install explosives detectors in metro

Published 24 May 2010

Russia will install explosive detectors in train stations in major cities; the sophisticated security system will be installed by 2014, and will feature security checkpoints at entrances in all transportation hubs, registration of all passengers, and ID-verified sales of tickets on all means of public transport, including inter-city buses

On of the Moscow metro stations // Source: neilstravels.com

Russia will install explosives detectors in metros in all major cities as part of security measures aimed at protecting the public from possible terrorist attacks, the emergencies minister said on Friday. The move follows twin powerful blasts that hit the Moscow metro during the morning rush hour on 29 March, killing 40 people and injuring over 100. President Dmitry Medvedev has urged the creation of a complex system of security on public transport.

At present our scientists are working closely with security services and police to develop explosive detectors. Those that we have are not very effective because they do not detect all explosive compounds. Nevertheless, we will introduce them first, and the scientists will continue working on their improvement,” Sergei Shoigu told a news conference in Moscow.

RIANovosty reports that Russia is planning to have a sophisticated security system on public transport by 2014. It will feature security checkpoints at entrances in all transportation hubs, registration of all passengers, and ID-verified sales of tickets on all means of public transport, including inter-city buses.

We have to sacrifice some of our freedoms to ensure security,” Shoigu said.

A number of airports around the world have already installed full body scanners for passengers as part of efforts to improve security.