RailTel launches tender for face biometric and thermal screening system at Indian train stations

India’s RailTel has launched a tender for a camera system with biometric facial recognition and thermal body temperature scanning to detect and prevent the spread of COVID-19, Outlook reports.

The rail operator cancelled a tender with a Chinese company for a thermal screening system earlier this year following a deadly border skirmish between China and India. A tender for a facial recognition system had been awarded by RailTel following a process relaunched last year, which was the fourth attempt to place the contract. The new tender opened Friday, September 11.

The system is expected to perform mask detection and provide an alarm if a person is found without one. RailTel also specifies the cameras must include a blackbody temperature reference for consistent measurement, in addition to face biometrics.

The facial recognition system is expected to be integrated with existing databases including the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS). India’s government is currently working towards the launch of a national facial recognition system that would connect to the CCTNS, though that tender has been pushed back numerous times as the criteria is amended.

The Central Railways zone already has body temperature screening in place, and has denied permission to board trains for roughly 30 people since the end of June based on public health protocols. The cameras are located at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) stations.

The cameras used at the stations are part of a FebriEye system from Uttar Pradesh-based Vehant Technologies, according to Outlook, which features a blackbody, and promises accuracy to within 0.3 degrees Celsius.

Chief Public Relations Officer (Central Railway) Shivaji Sutar told Outlook staff at CSMT and LTT are also being screened by the system.

Article Topics

biometric identification  |  biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  fever detection  |  India  |  mask detection  |  temperature monitoring  |  tender  |  transportation