RPF names 12 railway stations as vulnerable

4 Trains Deemed Susceptible To Terror Strikes

V Ayyappan | TNN 

Sept 16, 2008

Chennai: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has identified 12 stations in the state and five trains as sensitive to intensify deployment of personnel and modernise security arrangements. These are part of the 42 major stations already identified as vulnerable to possible terror attacks in the southern railway zone. 
    In addition to Central, Egmore, Coimbatore and Madurai stations, the list also includes Mambalam, Tambaram, Katpadi, Arakonam, Villupuram, Erode, Salem, and Tirunelveli. They have also identified four night trains — Bangalore Express, West Coast Express, Thiruvananthapuram Mail and Rockfort Express — to provide additional escort personnel. Seven RPF personnel will travel on these trains. 
    The stations and trains had been identified based on the usage, the number of crimes against passengers and intelligence sharing with the state police, said southern railway chief security commissioner G M P Reddy. 
    “We have adequate gadgets to detect risks. But the RPF wants to provide hand-held metal detectors to all its constables. Orders have been given to procure these equipment,” he added. 
    Vast railway stations with multiple entry and exit points pose a herculean challenge to the RPF. Even intense patrolling and screening of passengers and bags will not be effective as thousands of people use them. “We will be adding 14 dogs to the dog squads in five months. Dog squads will be introduced at Villupuram, Katpadi, Salem and Tirunelveli.” 
    The vulnerable stations will be developed as model stations from the security point of view. The exercise is aimed at procuring more resources and modern gadgets. 
    “Security features that involve restricting access to railway stations will require structural changes. Modern security measures will be built into the stations only when they are developed under the world class category,” said a senior railway official.