Southern Railway to introduce integrated security system

MANGALORE: In the wake of recent terrorist attacks on railway stations and trains in different parts of India, the Southern Railway is striving
hard to ensure safe and secure journey to the travelling public.

An integrated security system will be introduced in all important stations, including Mangalore, in a phased manner, a press release from Southern Railway here said.

First phase will cover Chennai Central, Egmore and suburban stations, Coimbatore, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram stations. In the second phase Trichy, Madurai, Mangalore and Calicut stations will be covered. Integrated security system includes CCTV, access control, personal and baggage screening, and explosive detection and disposal system. Additional dog squads are being set up in six stations.

RPF personnel are deputed for access control in all major stations. RPF personnel also escort all major express, mail, passenger and EMU trains in coordination with GRP. Modernization of the force is also being taken up in a big way. Various security related equipments like CCTV, luggage scanners, metal detectors and bomb squad equipments are being procured and installed in all major stations.

CCTV has been installed in Chennai Central, Egmore, Tambaram, Villupuram, Madurai, Calicut, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Trichur stations. Procurement of bomb squad equipments and other modern security equipments is also under progress. To create awareness among passengers, it has resorted to several innovative measures like RPF Mitra Yojana, skit, forum drama, announcements in FM channels and slides in cinema theatres.