Railways yet to install integrated security system at 102 'sensitive' stations

Despite trains becoming soft targets for attacks from militants, railways is yet to complete the process of installation of integrated security system at more than hundred 'sensitive' stations.

Besides, the national transporter is also facing a shortage of sniffer dogs, crucial for detection of explosives at rail premises.

There are 202 stations identified as sensitive ones which are to be equipped with integrated security system at an estimated cost Rs 355 crores.

However, the system is yet to be operational at 102 such stations.

Integrated security system comprising bomb detection and disposal system, baggage screening, door frame metal detectors, hand held metal detectors for frisking and CCTV for electronic surveillance at stations.

The process for installing integrated security system is on in many stations and zonal railways have been instructed to expedite it, said a senior RPF official. RPF is responsible for managing the system at railway stations.

Though many trains are being escorted by RPF and GRP, the ill-fated Bangalore-Guwahati train is not included in the escorted train list.

A woman was killed and 14 others injured, when two low-intensity bombs exploded in a span of five minutes on two coaches of the Bangalore-Guwahati train at the busy Central Railway station today.

Currently, RPF escort about 1270 trains while GRP is being given the responsibility of about 2200 trains in the country.

"There are about 11,000 trains and all are not escorted. Escort is only given to certain trains which are passing through areas prone to Naxal or militant violence," said the official.

Railways also have a dog squad to detect explosives at stations and trains.

Though the sanctioned strength of sniffer dogs is 460, currently railways have only 359 dogs.

Steps are being taken to recruit more sniffer dogs, he said.

However, the official said besides the security system and sniffer dog, railways also depend upon the intelligence input on possible attack on certain route. But there was no input so far on Chennai blast.