No more seeing off at rly stations

Against the backdrop of the Mumbai blasts, the Railway Ministry is introducing strict security measures at stations to keep away non-passengers from entering platforms.

The ministry is also planning to install CCTVs.

"After the Mumbai blasts, we are now introducing strict security measures at the stations. Only passengers will be allowed on the platforms. Seeing-off will have to take place outside," Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav said while inaugurating India's first multi-modal transport system (MMTS) at NSC Bose International Airport.

Other security steps would include installation of close circuit televisions inside the stations for round-the-clock vigil, installation of metal detectors at all entry points and an increase in the dog squads to ensure better security check on carriage and railway property, he said.

As part of the inaugural function, the minister flagged off a train connecting the airport to central Kolkata.

Speaking in presence of Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, Prasad said that his ministry would soon launch pilot projects to upgrade select junction stations across the country to global standards.

"We are now competing with air traffic. So, we have reduced the fare for first class and air-conditioned two-tier coaches," the Railway Minister said, adding that air-conditioned 'Garib Rath' would be launched for the poor and the fares for the train would be kept at Rs 600 only.

Flaying the former NDA government for trying to privatise the railways, he lauded its six lakh workers for making a turnaround possible without increasing fares.