Rlys yet to resume system to collect money from stns

Chennai: The staged robbery at Thiruvanmiyur MRTS station must have happened because railways does not collect money generated at stations for depositing in the banks in a systematic manner but let the counter staff deposit it when they find time.
After the pandemic began, railways withdrew the system of sending cars to collect money and deposit in the nearest SBI bank branch.Now, counter staff have to take the money at their own risk and cost and deposit it in banks. RPF personnel often do not accompany the staff if the cash is less than 25 lakh. This means money gets accumulated at the counters because the staff can go to the bank only after duty hours.
Sources said the cash management from counters need to be streamlined in such a way that the day’s collection can be moved to the bank or should be kept in safe keeping.
Though counters at MRTS stations have grill doors to prevent robbers from entering, that is not the case with counters in many suburban stations. The grill doors began to be installed after there was a dacoity at Mambalam railway station in 2001 when 9.75lakh was looted. The full amount is yet to be recovered. Small amounts have also been robbed from Chennai Fort, Kathivakkam, Taramani and Tondiarpet.
Ticket counters at suburban stations, especially on Chennai-Gummidipoondi route are vulnerable because these stations are deserted and poorly lit at night and at early mornings.
A railway official said that RPF team escorts the staff to the bank to deposit the collection at specified intervals like once every two to three days. "The counter staff at Thiruvanmiyur had this much money because of holidays."