Safety in shambles: Rly stations sans basic security

INDORE: Passenger security seems to have found no place in the priority list of railway officials. With rising demand for technology-based security system, stations under Ratlam division are still without basic security arrangements. The metal door detectors at Indore, Ratlam and Ujjain are dysfunctional and those working are ineffective.
The divisional railway manager (DRM) of Ratlam division L Venkataraman during her visit to Indore admitted that no station under her division had door metal frame detectors.Sources at the Indore railway station informed that there were six door frame detectors at the VIP entrance on platform number 1 and 5, which are dysfunctional since last year. The authorities at Indore said there are 16 CCTVs, hand-metal detector, dog squad, videography and RPF staff. Senior officials said door-metal detectors installed at Indore station were 'ineffective'.
Senior commandant RPF Ratlam division Sachin Bhalode told TOI that nearly 15 door metal detectors have been requisitioned for the division. "Door frame detectors were removed after they became dysfunctional. These detectors scan one person at a time, which is around half a minute for each person. By the time a person is scanned, many people pass through the machine, thus reducing its effectiveness. However, we plan to install them again," he added.
He said there are nearly 10-12 hand metal detectors at all stations, but with severe staff crunch and a large number of passengers commuting everyday, it becomes difficult for RPF to conduct frequent checks. "We make sure to beef up security in case of emergency," he added.
CCTVs were installed at Ujjain railway station only after SIMI operatives fled from the Khandwa jail. Around 48 CCTVs are installed on the station premises. Railway Police Force (RPF), Ujjain KS Chauhan said the railway station still has no door metal frame detectors.
Requesting anonymity, one of the railway officials said the security at Indore Railway station is in shambles. Several gates remain unmanned. Also, there is no fencing on the boundary walls. "Checking via hand metal detectors and dog squad is a rarity," said the official.