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Journalism of Courage
With Mumbai’s 7/11 train blasts catapulting security to it’s topmost agenda, the Railway Ministry has conveyed to the Home Ministry a slew of measures, including only allowing passengers with valid tickets to go upto platforms, to curtail the number of people visiting railway stations in major metropolitan cities and suburban routes.
Worried at the humungous number of people visiting railway stations to either receive or send-off passengers, Rail Bhawan is now contemplating a airport-like system where only passengers with valid tickets get to reach the platforms. Delhi Metro already has a system where nobody can reach the platform without having a ticket and going through the security checks. ‘‘A similar system is now being visualised for major railway stations,’’ said an official.
‘‘The idea is to reduce numbers at the platforms. Generally, three to four people accompany passengers to the railway stations or come there to receive them. We are now thinking of having a system where visitors are not allowed to go right upto the platforms,’’ Minister of State for Railways Naranbhai J Rathwa told The Indian Express.
‘‘Access control systems like metal detectors can only work if the numbers are manageable,’’ he added.
The ministry is also considering a proposal to introduce trolleys at major metropolitan railway stations to facilitate the passengers. ‘‘If you are going to stop the people accompanying the passengers, trolleys would have to be provided since many people only accompany passengers to carry their baggage,’’ said an official.
Another major proposal being debated in Rail Bhawan is about having single entry and exit points at select railway stations. ‘‘Access control is topmost on the agenda. Closing down multiple entries at some of the railway stations is being considered. We may go in for fencing, if need be, to block some of the entry and exit points,’’ the official added.
Also on the agenda is a proposal to introduce CCTVs on board trains. However, sources in the ministry said the idea has not found much favour owing to the cost-factor involved and the operational aspects of such a system.
