It was over 10 months ago that a bomb blast at Chennai Central railway station killed a young woman software professional from Andhra Pradesh and injured 14 others. Investigators are yet to make any headway in the case.
More recently, there has been an increase in the number of thefts and robberies on trains. The Railway Budget announcements on stepping up of security in trains and at railway installations are a welcome move, say commuters.
Installation of CCTV cameras inside compartments of some trains, including ladies’ coaches in suburban trains, may help in crime prevention, say women passengers.
On December 29, a woman was pushed out of a suburban train, near Park railway station, by a thief who tried to snatch her gold chain. The victim, Muneeshwari Nagaraj (28), miraculously survived with just a broken arm.
The presence of CCTV cameras on railway station premises could have given the police crucial leads in the case as they are yet to track down the assailants.
Speaking to The Hindu , Muneeshwari’s husband Nagaraj welcomed Railway Budget announcements to step up security in trains and at stations.
“The presence of surveillance cameras in ladies’ compartments will instil fear in the minds of culprits and reduce crime on trains. This should be implemented soon for the safety of women passengers,” he says.
“One hopes the security measures are introduced soon and remain effectively in service without being terminated after the initial hype,” says regular train commuter K. Meenakumari of Arakkonam.
