Security agencies draw up short, medium and long-term measures
to fight terrorism effectively
Security agencies draw up short, medium and long-term measures
to fight terrorism effectively
MUMBAI: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) does not want to take any more chances. Stung by the serial blasts in local trains on July 11, the force has decided to buy explosive detectors to ramp up its fight against terror. The detectors will be bought from Russian, American and Israeli suppliers.
The RPF plans to purchase 15 to 20 detectors, each costing Rs 15 lakh, a senior RPF official said, requesting anonymity.
The decision was taken in meetings of security agencies, including the state police, held after the 11/7 blasts to chalk out measures for beefing up security in sensitive areas. The RPF has been forced to consider buying the detectors, because current equipment - hand-held metal detectors and door-frame detectors - are not effective in detecting explosives.
The senior official explained, “Any explosive has three components - the explosive substance, electronic circuits and metal detonators. We need equipment that can detect explosive materials and electronic circuits.”
When asked if the purchase would be delayed for want of mandatory clearances from the Railway Board, the official said, “Emergency purchases can be made (without the clearance).” During the post-11/7 meetings, the security agencies had decided on short-term, medium-term and long-term measures for better vigilance, sources said.
In the short-term, it was decided to tightened security at six major railway stations on the Central and Western railways’ line. Additional police force would be deployed at Chhatrapathi Shivaji Terminus, Byculla, Dadar, Kurla, Thane and Kalyan on the Central Railway line, and Churchgate, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri and Borivali on the Western line, RPF deputy commissioner (Security) Atul Pathak said.
“The police have been asked to screen suspicious baggage with metal detectors,” Pathak said. Besides installing the gadgets, the police are also working towards closing entry and exit points at various stations.
“Frisking passengers and restricting entry and exit points would inconvenience them. But it has to be done considering security requirements, especially in view of the large number of passenger influx,” the senior official said.
Short-term measures
Beefing up security at 12 major railway stations
Screening passenger baggage and increasing counters with metal detectors
Medium-term measures
Door frame metal detectors and baggage scanners to be installed at important stations
Purchasing explosive detectors
Long-term measures
Engage expert organizations, like Electronic Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), to suggest time-bound security measures to help railways thwart terrorist attacks in future.
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