With the Union Government focusing on passenger safety and security in the new Railway Budget, The Hindu took a look at the main security issues at railway stations in the Capital. Absence of boundary walls and presence of unwanted elements at the stations and in trains remained a matter of great concern for many.
Security personnel and passengers said the biggest problem was the absence of boundary wall around stations. “There is no boundary wall around stations and people enter from anywhere without proper security check. This is very dangerous as anyone can carry arms or other things inside the station unchecked. Stopping this is a challenge for us because we cannot have our personnel deployed at each of those points,” said an Inspector-level officer posted at the Old Delhi railway station.
“Also, most slums are located near railway lines which facilitate entry of criminal elements inside the station premises and also the trains,” he added.
The officer also noted that trains that originate from the stations here should have lights switched on when they are waiting at the platforms. “If a train is originating from the stations here, the lights should be switched on at all times and not just when passengers are boarding. This generally leads to theft of property inside trains as criminal elements find their way easily in the dark,” said the officer. Explaining the point further, the officer said: “If a train has to leave at 6 p.m. and is standing at the platform from 5 p.m., the lights should be switched on immediately or else the doors should be opened 30 minutes prior to the departure time.”
Another officer, a Sub-Inspector, noted the difficulties he faces in carrying out his duty. “People do not cooperate with us at the check points. We understand that they are in a hurry to catch the train, but they should also understand that it is our duty to make sure no unwanted element enters the station and trains,” he said.
To strengthen security in trains and at stations, 17,000 Railway Protection Force (RPF) constables have been recruited and will be shortly available for deployment. The Indian Railways have also proposed to recruit 4,000 women RPF constables to ensure security of ladies travelling alone.
While all these steps are being taken by the government, most passengers, especially women, still feel unsafe while travelling in trains. Incidents like the one in which three men threw a girl off the Lalkaun-Bareilly passenger train for resisting molestation have raised serious doubts about women’s safety inside trains. The girl, a student, was sexually harassed by the three men following which she had slapped them. In anger, they beat her up and then pushed her off the train near Bahedi station.
“It is better to travel in an air-condition coach because it feels more safe,” said Manya, a student who often travels from Delhi to her hometown in Bhopal.
Asked about the new helpline, most women passengers applauded the move.
