NFR to run pilot engines ahead of passenger trains till R-Day

In view of the security constraints ahead of the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations on Thursday, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has arranged for running a goods train or pilot engine ahead of all important mail and express trains that pass through some of the strategic section under the rail head.

The arrangements have been made in view of the intelligence inputs pouring in about plans of various subversive groups to target railway infrastructures like train, tracks etc. in the run up to the Republic Day.

The pilot engines will run ahead of all important passenger trains in Srirampura--New Bongaigaona--Kamakhya, New Bongaigaona--Goalpara Towna--Kamakhya, Fakiragrama--Dhubri and Guwahatia--Lumdinga--Tinsukia and Dibrugarh sections from 5pm of Wednesday (January 24) till 6 am on Thursday (January 26), NFR Chief PRO Pranav Jyoti Sharma said in a statement.

"All major bridges are being guarded round the clock and anti-sabotage checks are being carried out with the help of sniffer dogs to detect explosives etc," Sharma said.

Joint control rooms have been set up in Tinsukia, Lumding, Guwahati, Rangiya and New Bongaigaon for collection and dissemination of information pertaining to security of Railways.

"CCTV cameras are being monitored by trained RPF officials in all important stations. Track patrolling by motor trolleys as well as on foot are being carried out in sensitive sections to check activities of anti-social elements," Sharma said.

Quick Response Teams (QRTs) of the RPF have also been formed at important Railway stations to meet any eventuality.

"Necessary coordination with GRP, local police, Civil and Railway administrations and other security forces deployed in sensitive areas are being maintained and emergency control rooms have been opened in all Divisions from," he added.

--IANS

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