Train is a threat to Agra air base

AGRA: A railway line uncomfortably close to the runway of the Agra air force base, one of the largest in India, sends the authorities into a tizzy every time a train passes by.
“Anybody can attack the air base from the train with the help of a shoulder mounted weapon. Even though the attack will not cause much damage it will send all the wrong signals,” an Indian Air Force (IAF) official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Even though the assets of the base, covering an area of 3,400 acres, are away from the line of fire, the authorities say the terror threat is “real”.

The Agra air base is instrumental in providing transport support, bombing and airborne assault support, paratrooper training and photo-reconnaissance support. Being of both strategic and tactical importance for the IAF, the base was twice attacked during the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971.

The authorities have urged the realignment of the railway track, which is just 400 metres away from the runway, but this is not likely to happen anytime soon. The Air Officer Commanding of the base, Air Commodore Shouvik Roy, confirmed that a request has been sent to the concerned authorities to take action.