NEW DELHI: Rattled by the terror attack on the Samjhauta Express train on Sunday night that left 68 people dead, the Railways is drawing up a comprehensive security plan to ensure that foolproof measures, including scanning of baggage, are put in place for the safe passage of the special train in future.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad has issued instructions to the Railway Board to come up with a new plan for the departure of the train from an `isolated terminal.' Officials said till a new terminal was decided upon, it would continue to run from the Old Delhi railway station. The next Delhi-Attari special train would leave on Wednesday as per schedule, an official said.

``The possibility of operating the Delhi-Attari Special train from the Safdargunj railway station is being explored by the security agencies as well as the Railways. A notification for the new departure plan would have to be issued as the running of the train entails a formal agreement between the two countries including the number of coaches and passengers to be allowed. The exercise is already on and new date for departure from a new terminal would be notified soon. The security checks and customs would be just like the one that exists at the airports,'' a senior Railway official remarked.

The Railways on Tuesday suspended five officials, including three ticket booking officials, one ticket checking inspector and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) inspector for negligence of duty and not maintaining proper records while issuing tickets to the passengers of the Attari-bound train.

Central security agencies have taken possession of CCTV recordings of people entering the Old Delhi Railway Station and those boarding the train. The recordings could prove to be a crucial piece of evidence to nail the culprits.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail