RPF steps up security measures at major railway stations ahead of Independence Day

The Hindu

19 hours ago

Security has been stepped up at major railway stations falling under the limits of Tiruchi Division ahead of Independence Day as a precautionary measure to avert any untoward incidents.
Personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Tiruchi Division, have stepped up surveillance round the clock and vigil in coordination with Government Railway Police and local police at the stations.
The Bomb Detection Squad of the RPF has been roped in as part of the security measures. Personnel forming part of the squad are engaged in carrying out anti-sabotage checks at the railway stations. Detective dogs are being used to detect the presence of any suspicious objects on the railway premises. The jurisdiction of the RPF Tiruchi Division extends to over 10 revenue districts including Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Karaikal, Cuddalore and Villupuram.
A senior RPF official in Tiruchi said vigil had been stepped at major stations from August 11, with field-level officers instructed to enhance security measures. Random checking of passengers and their belongings was being done by the RPF personnel. The major stations where security had intensified included Tiruchi, Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur.
Crowded areas such as cloak rooms, waiting halls, concourse areas and lobbies on the premises of the stations were under constant vigil. Besides platforms and other areas within stations, anti-sabotage checks were also being done by the RPF and Bomb Detection Squad personnel armed with necessary paraphernalia on railway parcels prior to being dispatched by trains.
Random checks were also being conducted in some express trains upon arrival at Tiruchi railway junction. Patrolling was being done on railway premises and in its vicinity as part of the security measure. The assistance of local police had been sought in other stations in the division. The enhanced security measures would be in place till August 15, the officer added.