Railway Protection Force (RPF) deployed at railway stations and pressed into the task of providing security to railway related developmental works in insurgency-hit districts of Chhattisgarh will soon be empowered technically and tactically.
Moreover, strong posse of RPF personnel will be deployed at railway stations falling in Naxal-infested districts as a preventive move to foil and deal with Naxal incidents,” said Director General of RPF S K Bhagat on Saturday in Raipur.
Adequate deployment of RPF personnel at railway stations falling in insurgency-hit districts, development of camp with elaborate security arrangements and establishing smooth interface channel with local police will be his priorities, added DG RPF.
Notably, DG RPF accompanied by officials of local police and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has also visited Dantewada and Rowghat region to takes stock of security arrangements at railway stations as well as KK line and RR line. Meanwhile, the officer also reviewed the progress of Rowghat project and discusses various issues and challenges with RPF personnel.
Interacting with media, Bhagat informed that he had detailed interaction with Director General of Police (DGP) Upadhyay and intelligence personnel on Naxal issue.
Responding to the question on series of theft cases recorded in jurisdiction of South East Central Railway (SECR) and other zones recently, Bhagat said presently, large numbers of trains are being escorted by RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) and efforts are underway to ensure escorting of all trains. To prevent theft and other crimes in running trains as well as at railway stations, RPF is taking necessary moves to strengthen coordination with GRP and local police. Moreover, RPF is planning to keep close watch on members of gangs nabbed in such cases.
Patrolling being carried out by RPF is slightly better than GRP, claimed Bhagat.
Bhagat further added that “as criminals are constantly searching for opportunities of executing crime, frequently changing their modus-operandi and becoming tech-savvy, RPF is equipping their personnel with latest technologies so that they should remain step ahead from criminals.
Under Integrated Security System (ISS), railway is focusing on installation of CCTV cameras and strengthening of dog squad. Around 1000 cameras have recently been installed at various railway stations in the country and soon more will be set up at stations across the country.”