Deekshith D V
Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, May 4: The recent twin blasts in Bangalore-Guwahati train at Chennai have raised concerns about security in railways across the country. A visit to Mangalore's Central railway station revealed that the picture is not exactly rosy as far as security is concerned.
Though sophisticated CCTV cameras have been installed at Mangalore city Central railway station as per the Railway Board's guidelines to ensure tight security and prevent crimes, terrorist activities and the like, the surveillance of the footage has not yet been handed over to the RPF (railway protection force) yet.
Though 38 CCTV cameras have been installed at the railway station, the system has not yet been inaugurated yet or handed over to the RPF for monitoring. Though people from various places come to this station, there is lack of sufficient staff to ensure tight security.
Even the under vehicle scanner (UVS) system has not been handed over to the RPF. In fact, the RPF has only the door frame metal detector (DFMD) and one baggage scanner for surveillance. Three personnel including one RPF ASI have been deployed for security purpose as per the availability of staff.
The shortage of staff also extends to the government railway police (GRP) station.
Government railway police station inspector Tharanath said, "There are only 10 GRP staff for both the central railway station and Kankanady junction. The government has given a jeep but it has no driver. As per the availability, the staff are deployed at both railway stations. There is no proper compound wall to restrict illegal entry. There are several ways to enter the railway platform. Even though there are DFMDs at the main entrance, they are not sufficient to prohibit illegal entry."
Thousands of commuters pass through the railway stations in Mangalore each day. The lack of security measures here, despite the various incidents of terrorism across the country, is a glaring example of government apathy.