11-05-2025
A look at security measures at Pune airport, railway station, Swargate bus depot amid India-Pakistan tension
In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian Armed Forces, and the subsequent tensions and attacks along the India-Pakistan border, cities across the country remained on high alert.
The Indian Express takes a look at the heightened security arrangements at the three main entry and exit points in the city-the Pune Airport, Pune Railway Station, and Swargate bus station.
Pune Airport
The Pune airport had announced additional security measures in light of the tensions at the border.
On Friday, it said that 100 percent Secondary Ladder Point Checking (SLPC) has been made compulsory for all flights.
Among other measures, random baggage checks were conducted on passengers before entering the terminal, and an increased percentage of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) checks for consignments was also being carried out.
'We were expecting intense checks and long queues. So we reached well before the usual reporting time. But surprisingly, everything moved quickly,' said Asit Sonavare, a cybersecurity professional, who had come to accompany a friend flying to Bangalore.
'My friend went through security and check-in without delays. There were even rumours that Digi Yatra services were suspended due to the situation. But that turned out to be false. The system was working perfectly. I think the bigger problem right now is the volume of unverified information being circulated. The ground reality is far more stable than what's being portrayed online,' he added.
Amruta Doshi, who had come from Nanded to see off her sister and her family flying to Germany, said they had come to the airport quite apprehensive about whether international travel would be permitted.
'Honestly, we were very anxious when we left home this morning. With everything we've been seeing on the news, it felt like we were stepping into a zone of uncertainty. But when we reached the airport, we were surprised by how normal everything was. There's security in place, yes, but it's organised, and it doesn't feel panicked. As family members, we're still a little scared, but there's nothing to worry about,' she said.
Pune railway station
The railway authorities at Pune station focused on strictly enforcing existing safety protocols as part of a precautionary approach during the heightened alert period.
'We already have safety measures in place. Right now, we're just making sure they are followed more strictly. There's nothing new being added,' said Ravindra P Dhumal, Station Operations Manager.
Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel are stationed across platforms, entry points, and near trains.
Baggage screening is being enforced more rigorously, with passengers required to scan their luggage through X-Ray scanners before entering the station across all entry points.
Those who attempt to bypass the scanners are being stopped by security personnel, who ask them to return and complete the necessary screening.
Metal detectors are also being used at various points within the station for added security.
Access control has also been tightened, and ticket checks are being carried out regularly.
Status quo continues regarding the restriction on the sale of platform tickets at the railway station as a safety measure to limit the presence of non-travellers on platforms.
The sale of platform tickets was suspended last year to reduce crowding.
Swargate bus station
Security guards were present at the entrance and inside the Swargate State Transport bus stand.
However, these security measures were put in place after the brutal rape of a Pune woman inside a parked Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus inside the sprawling bus station in February.
A security official deployed at the spot said that no additional measures were added in the aftermath of the tensions between India and Pakistan.
'A police van is present at Swargate round the clock, and senior police officers do continuous night patrols here,' he said.
Soham is a Correspondent with the Indian Express in Pune.
A journalism graduate, he was a fact-checker before joining the Express. Soham currently covers education and is also interested in civic issues, health, human rights, and politics. ... Read More
