The bandh has been called to protest the killing of senior CPI(Maoist) politburo member Cherukuri Rajkumar alias Azad by Andhra Pradesh Police last week.
In view of the 48-hour Bharat Bandh called by Maoists beginning Wednesday, Indian Railways has decided to step up security. It has formed quick response teams and intensified patrolling.
The bandh has been called to protest the killing of senior CPI(Maoist) politburo member Cherukuri Rajkumar alias Azad by Andhra Pradesh Police last week.
A senior railway ministry official said, “Quick response teams comprising 25 constables and led by divisional commandants will be positioned at sensitive stations. Gangmen and railway protection force (RPF) personnel have been asked to patrol tracks at regular intervals day and night.”
RPF, which is responsible for protecting railway property, will intensify patrol. “Divisional railway magistrates as well as general managers have been asked to take necessary steps to prevent loss of property and life. They will work in tandem with the units on ground so that decision-making is fast,” the official said.
The railways is on a high alert in seven states, after Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra were added to the list of states with Maoist trouble in the wake of recent threats. “Intelligence inputs are being gathered from all states,” the official said.
Among other measures, trains will be run at about 60 km per hour in Maoist-affected areas. Also, pilot engines or freight trains will be run before every express/passenger train passes.
East-Central Railway has, meanwhile, cancelled four trains between July 6 and 8, while the routes of six trains have been changed.
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