Maoist jolt for rail security

Shocked by a series of Naxal attacks and threats from terrorist groups, the railways has pressed the fast-forward button to implement an "integrated security plan" conceived four years ago. Srinand Jha reports.

Shocked by a series of Naxal attacks and threats from terrorist groups, the railways has pressed the fast-forward button to implement an "integrated security plan" conceived four years ago.

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"The zonal railways have floated tenders for the purchase of IP-based CCTV surveillance systems and a general security alert has been sounded," Ranjit Sinha, director general, Railways Protection Force (RPF), told Hindustan Times.

The railways have suffered more than six Maoist attacks over the past two months.

The latest warning came from a letter sent on behalf of a terror outfit — the Jaish-e-Mohammad — threatening to blow up six railway stations including Haridwar, Roorkee, Ludhiana, Jagadhari and Dehra Dun.

"It appears to be a hoax letter, but we are not taking any chances," Sinha said.

The integrated security plan involves installation of electronic access control devices, person and baggage screening systems and explosives detection and disposal systems at stations identified as vulnerable.

The facilities will be extended to all 6,909 stations in the country in a phased manner, a railway ministry official said.

Initiatives are also being taken to strengthen the Subsidiary Multi-Agency Centres to facilitate the sharing of information on a daily basis in the Maoist-affected states of Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.