Railways increase security in light of the holiday surge

The East Central Railway (ECR) has increased security on all long-distance night passenger trains originating from or transiting through Patna Junction and other significant stations in the Danapur division. In light of the large number of passengers expected during Diwali and Chhath Puja, additional railway protection force (RPF) has been deployed at all vulnerable stations to maintain law and order and prevent stampedes at Patna Junction. According to Danapur RPF senior commandant Prakash Kumar Panda, at least 214 night passenger trains are being escorted by the RPF in the Danapur division. RPF personnel in mufti are keeping a close eye on the activities of passengers and suspects accessing the railway station and on passenger trains, he said. At Patna Junction, a total of 150 CCTV cameras have been erected and are being monitored around the clock by RPF personnel. In a meeting with the superintendent of railway police (SRP), Patna, held on Thursday here, RPF officials discussed in detail the security plan to be implemented in order to thwart the activities of criminals. “RPF and GRP personnel are coordinating to ensure the safety of passengers during their journey,” he said. “RPF men are using megaphones at Patna Junction and other crowded stations to inform passengers about safety measures.”