The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Security remains tight at railway stations

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Thursday, Jul 31, 2008
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Kerala - Kochi

Security remains tight at railway stations

Staff Reporter

Entry into platforms still restricted

Photo: H. Vibhu

Tight vigil: Public places like the South railway station are under police observation in the city. —

KOCHI: Security remained tight at both the railway stations in the city on Wednesday even as normality was restored three days after the bomb threat on Sunday.

The local police, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the railway police are operating in tandem ensuring round the clock security at the station, K.P. James, Circle Inspector, RPF, at the Ernakulam South railway station, said. Passengers are allowed into the platform through metal detectors that are still in place at the main and eastern entrances. Entry remains restricted, as the issue of platform tickets is yet to restart at both the stations.

At the Ernakulam Town station, entry through the second platform remains temporarily suspended.

Baggage is being thoroughly checked before being permitted into the platform, Roy Mathai, Sub Inspector, RPF, at Ernakulam North railway station, said. Passengers found in suspicious circumstances are detained and questioned, Mr. Mathai said.

The duty of the RPF personnel has been increased from eight to 12 hours. “Even after their duty time, they remain at the station to be pressed into service in case of any emergency,” he said.

At any given time four to five RPF squads led by a Sub Inspector and Additional Sub Inspector are deployed at the Town station, Mr. Mathai said.

“General surveillance is on and policemen in mufti have been deployed in the station,” Mr. James said. Close circuit Television footings are also being closely monitored, he said. Bomb and dog squads are being stationed at the south station to meet any emergency. Parcels being taken in and out of the stations are also subjected to strict checks. Railway authorities are not letting the guard down as yet. “The security measures will be in place till further orders come,” Mr. James said.

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