Mysuru: The Railway Protection Force may soon be providing security to all major railway stations on par with airport security as a similar proposal has been sent to the Karnataka government. The proposal involves providing airport-like security to railway stations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Yeshwanthpur, and Hubbali.
South Western Railway RPF Chief Security Commissioner DB Kasar said, “Apart from this, we are also planning to enhance security at places where there is more movement of passengers.”
At present, there are hardly any security measures taken at the parcel offices where every day, a good number of parcels are transported by train. To keep a tab on the parcels, Kasar also assured that they would provide security (including baggage scanners or handheld metal detectors) for parcel offices so that each and every parcel is scanned thoroughly before entering the trains.
Large number of entries will be restricted at major railway stations
“To tighten security at major railway stations, we need to take up a holistic approach. Many railway stations have a number of exit and entry points. Hence, to provide and enhance security (at least at major railway stations) we have to control multiple entries. In the days to come, we will also be installing more CCTV cameras in order to keep a tab on people” added Kasar.
Trained staff to handle emergencies
“Our staff are also capable of handling emergencies. Time to time, they also undergo training every year and if there is any threat, we get help from the city bomb squad who in no time will be on the spot,” said Kasar.
Unclaimed luggage found in coach
Commenting on the low-intensity explosion at the Hubbali Railway Station on Monday, October 21, Kasar said, “The box was left by a passenger in the coach. After our cleaning staff noticed it, they brought it to the notice of the RPF. Our staff were quick enough to react and brought the left out luggage to the Station Master’s room which is the regular procedure. It is because of the alertness of our staff, that the box was opened outside the Station Master’s room. If they had opened it inside the room, there would have been more damage.”
