Metal detectors & luggage scanners at Patna Jn soon

PATNA: Railways has decided to install two door frame metal detectors (DFMD) and luggage scanning machines at Patna Junction main concourse and Karbigahiya end to further step up security around the station premises following the recent hoax bomb calls and exponential increase in the footfall up to 1.5 lakh per day during summer rush.
According to Danapur RPF senior commandant Prakash Kumar Panda, railways has approved the site for installation of the DFMD and luggage scanners.Installation work is likely to start soon. Karbigahiya end has the vast open area and thus installation of two machines will enhance security measures at Patna Junction, he said, adding railways is keeping a close surveillance on passenger movements on the platforms and waiting halls through CCTV cameras.
According to Patna RPF inspector Sushil Kumar, RPF personnel, including women, are operating hand metal detector devices in good numbers at Patna Junction. Though it is not possible to check all the passengers’ luggage at entry points each day, hand metal detectors are to some extent serving the purpose of the security personnel who make random luggage checking across the 10 platforms at the station, he said.
Installation of luggage scanners will ensure foolproof safety to passengers during journey. Railways has ensured that passenger train is escorted by RPF personnel or GRP each night. A team of women RPF have been deployed to escort all New Delhi and Mumbai bound premier trains passing through Patna Junction, Kumar said.
In addition, RPF personnel have launched a drive to check touts on the Patna Junction premises. This drive has been launched to curb touts’ activities not only at Patna Junction, but also at all major stations under Danapur division, sources said.