The movement of contraband at the Egmore railway station will now be better monitored, thanks to the installation of a new scanner.
The scanner, which has already been installed at the entry point at the northern end of the station, can scan large pieces of luggage.
It will be used only for scanning passenger baggage, according to railway sources.
A small scanner is already functioning near the Station Manager’s office, the entry for all VIPs. However, this scanner cannot handle big pieces of luggage or parcels.
Railway sources said the new system would become operational within a week.
A senior railway officer said though the machine was purchased nearly a year ago, it had not been used till now.
A total of 17 such big scanners have been procured by the Railways, of which two are meant for Chennai — one for Egmore, and the other, for Beach station.
Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers have welcomed the installation of the new scanner, saying the equipment would help detect smuggling of items such as banned pan masala.
Home Guards’ help sought
With an ever-increasing number of train services, RPF authorities have sought the help of Home Guards to regulate the crowds on the station’s platforms. They said they found it difficult to manage the crowds that head out of the station along with the ones entering the station to board the south-bound trains.
A senior RPF officer said at present, under the RPF Mithra Yojana, they have roped in the services of 32 railway staff .
These people volunteer to assist the RPF personnel on weekends. They inform passengers about the various facilities available at the station, regulate the queues waiting to board unreserved compartments and assist passengers for any other requirements.
However, the services of these volunteers were not adequate to cover the large Egmore station, the officer added.
