Beijing is planning to install monitor cameras and shield doors to prevent waiting passengers falling off onto the rail, said a subway company manager.

 

"The No.1 and No.2 Line of the subway are undergoing an overall restructuring with high-tech equipments to strengthen safety measures," said Zhan Minghui, deputy manager of the Beijing Subway, adding that more subway staff members are dispatched on each station to remind waiting passengers not to cross "the yellow safety line".

 

Zhan said besides a few number of suicide attempts, most subway falling victims had stepped out of the safety line to pick up falling articles or just out of curiosity.

 

"One would get a deadly electric shock if he fell onto the rail and touched the 825-volt high-tension electric track. It's worse that if train coming the driver immediately activated the emergency brake, the train would still slide for about 100 meters before stop, causing miserable deaths," said Zhan, adding that suspended subway service would add great pressure to road traffic.

 

Zhan said after restructuring, monitor cameras will cover the whole platforms and shield doors will prevent passengers cross over the safety lines.

 

A man killed himself by jumping off the platform in front of a train at a Beijing subway station around the city center on Oct. 18.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2006)