Railways tighten security over possible attack

Mumbai: Security at railway stations across the city has been tightened in light of a possible terror attack in the coming months.

According to an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report, crowded railway stations face a possible threat over the next three months. A low-intensity blast occurred near Dahisar two days ago and a bomb on a state transport bus was defused on Thursday.

Railway officials said that although there was no specific intelligence input, security agencies have been put on high alert for the safety of passengers. “Following instructions from the Railway Board, the apex body of the Indian Railways, security has been stepped up across its network, especially in Mumbai,” officials said.

According to officials, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) has advised the Railways and other authorities, including local police, to keep a strict vigil at airports, cinema halls, malls and other public places.

The Central Railway (CR) and the Western Railway (WR) headquarters are situated in Mumbai and over 70 lakh people use suburban trains for their daily commute in the metropolis.

“WR teams are keeping a watch on the stations via CCTV cameras and conducting mock drills. Long-distance trains, especially the Delhi-bound ones, are being checked with sniffer dogs and bomb detection squads,” a railway official said.

When contacted, WR chief spokesperson Ravinder Bhakar said that orders have been issued for conducting special security checks at the stations with high footfall. Passengers have also being urged to inform the security agencies if they spot any suspicious movement or person and baggage lying unattended at the stations.

K.K. Ashraf, CR senior divisional security commissioner of Mumbai division, said, “Security has been enhanced in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. We have issued advisories to all units to stay alert and keep a vigil. We have deployed the maximum number of personnel at platforms and stations. Our men in civil dress are keeping a watch on people.

He added that combing operation is being carried out during the morning and evening peak hours as a precautionary measure, since Thursday.