Number of security staff raised in trains

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, November 22

Taking cognizance of the rising number of robbery cases in trains, the railway authorities have beefed up security by increasing the number of GRP and RPF personnel in trains.

According to information, security has been extended in Train No. 12456 and 12455 Sriganganagar to Delhi Sarai Rohilla, 14888 and 14887 Barmer to Kalka, 14732 and 14731 Fazilka to Delhi, 19224 and 19223 Jammu Tawi to Ahmedabad junction, 19612 and 19611 Amritsar to Ajmer, and 19108 and 19107 Udhampur to Ahmedabad.

The move has come after the issue of lack of security in trains was carried in these columns a few days ago.

It is pertinent to mention that GRP and RPF personnel are deployed in express and superfast trains only. No police personnel have been deployed in passenger trains.

Yogesh Dahiya, sub-inspector, RPF, said, “We are trying our best to provide security to passengers even when we are facing an acute shortage of staff. We need more personnel at the Bathinda railway junction to ensure the security of passengers.”

Surender Pal Singh, a GRP official, said, “Though we are sending our staff according to the scheduled timetable of the trains, due to shortage of staff, sometimes it is not possible for us to do the same on regular basis.”

On the other hand, passengers have heaved a sigh of relief with the move.

Sukhpal Singh, a passenger, said, “A number of robberies have been reported in trains in the recent past, due to which there is a sense of fear among those travelling in them. But now, with the Railways deploying security personnel, we feel secure.”

Babita Devi, another passenger, said, “Seeing the railway police in trains, there has been a sense of security among passengers.”