102 ‘sensitive’ stations yet to get integrated security
2 May 2014 11:35 PM GMT
Besides, the national transporter is also facing a shortage of sniffer dogs, crucial for detection of explosives at rail premises.
There are 202 stations identified as sensitive ones which are to be equipped with integrated security system at an estimated cost Rs 355 crores. However, the system is yet to be operational at 102 such stations. Integrated security system comprising bomb detection and disposal system, baggage screening, door frame metal detectors, hand held metal detectors for frisking and CCTV for electronic surveillance at stations.
The process for installing integrated security system is on in many stations and zonal railways have been instructed to expedite it, said a senior RPF official. RPF is responsible for managing the system at railway stations.
Though many trains are being escorted by RPF and GRP, the ill-fated Bangalore-Guwahati train is not included in the escorted train list.
Currently, RPF escort about 1270 trains while GRP is being given the responsibility of about 2200 trains in the country. Railways also have a dog squad to detect explosives at stations and trains.
Though the sanctioned strength of sniffer dogs is 460, currently railways have only 359 dogs. Meanwhile, security was intensified at major railway stations, airports, bus depots and other public areas in Rajasthan in the wake of bomb explosions in a train at Chennai railway station, a top police official said. ‘We have alerted all district Superintendent of Police, IG range to step up vigilance and surveillance at airports, roadways bus depots, hospitals, railway stations, religious places in view of Chennai blasts,’ DGP Omendra Bhardwaj said.
Apart from Rajasthan, security has also been tightened across Kerala after the blast on Thursday.
While condemning the blast, prime minister Manmohan Singh said such ‘barbaric acts’ highlight the ‘desperation and cowardice’ of those responsible and asserted that no efforts would be spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Offering condolence to the kin of the deceased and sympathy for those injured, he appealed for peace and expressed confidence that the people of the country will stand united against these attempts to disturb peace and harmony.
There are 202 stations identified as sensitive ones which are to be equipped with integrated security system at an estimated cost Rs 355 crores. However, the system is yet to be operational at 102 such stations. Integrated security system comprising bomb detection and disposal system, baggage screening, door frame metal detectors, hand held metal detectors for frisking and CCTV for electronic surveillance at stations.
The process for installing integrated security system is on in many stations and zonal railways have been instructed to expedite it, said a senior RPF official. RPF is responsible for managing the system at railway stations.
Though many trains are being escorted by RPF and GRP, the ill-fated Bangalore-Guwahati train is not included in the escorted train list.
Currently, RPF escort about 1270 trains while GRP is being given the responsibility of about 2200 trains in the country. Railways also have a dog squad to detect explosives at stations and trains.
Though the sanctioned strength of sniffer dogs is 460, currently railways have only 359 dogs. Meanwhile, security was intensified at major railway stations, airports, bus depots and other public areas in Rajasthan in the wake of bomb explosions in a train at Chennai railway station, a top police official said. ‘We have alerted all district Superintendent of Police, IG range to step up vigilance and surveillance at airports, roadways bus depots, hospitals, railway stations, religious places in view of Chennai blasts,’ DGP Omendra Bhardwaj said.
Apart from Rajasthan, security has also been tightened across Kerala after the blast on Thursday.
While condemning the blast, prime minister Manmohan Singh said such ‘barbaric acts’ highlight the ‘desperation and cowardice’ of those responsible and asserted that no efforts would be spared in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Offering condolence to the kin of the deceased and sympathy for those injured, he appealed for peace and expressed confidence that the people of the country will stand united against these attempts to disturb peace and harmony.
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