Railway cops to up vigil on locals at night & early morning

In the backdrop of Thursday's attack, the government railway police (GRP) and railway protection force (RPF) have decided to increase patrolling, especially during night. They also will be requesting the authorities for good quality CCTV cameras for all stations.

According to railway police, there are only 3,500 railway police personnel in Mumbai GRP. In 2013, the GRP had requested for at least 500 more men but their demands were not met. On their part, the authorities assigned only a few home guards for the job. The railway police had also requested for at least 1,200 additional men for platform duty but till date nothing has happened.

"On various occasions we have requested women commuters to travel in general compartment if it is very late in the night or very early in the morning. But most of them refuse to follow these basic instructions," said an officer attached with Andheri railway police.

Another railway police officer said, "We have requested the railways to attach all the ladies compartments together. The clubbed coaches can be put together either near the motormen's or guard's cabin. This way, we can provide better security," said Deepak Devraj, deputy commissioner of police (WR).

Govandi resident Srikant Subramanian said, "On many days, my wife comes home late from work. She prefers travelling by train. However, each time such a crime happens, I get very scared. Something needs to be done about the security lapses on the suburban network, which is Mumbai's lifeline."