Security tightened at bus stations, airport

The main inter-State bus terminus at Majestic, the Kempegowda Bus Station continues to be on high alert. Director (Security and Vigilance) of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), M A Saleem told Deccan Herald that stringent security measures that were initiated last year continue to be in place. These include door-frame metal detectors, hand held bomb/explosive detectors and random manual frisking of passengers.

“We have restricted entry into the main bus station by closing seven entry points and maintaining only six. CCTV’s have been installed at 14 different locations. Movements of all people can now be tracked directly from our head office that has been up-linked to KBS” said Saleem.

The State run undertaking has also deputed full time a Dy Chief Security and Vigilance Officer at KBS who has a sniffer dog squad at his disposal. This canine squad undertakes security rounds/exercise, every two hours according to Saleem, who further added that a mock-drill is also conducted at the bus station by security staff deployed.

“To keep an eye on those with suspicious baggage or packages or those dumped at open places, we have installed transparent wastebins.  CCTV’s will also be installed at the satellite bus terminus on Mysore Road by the end of this month” added Saleem.
Officials from the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) also said CCTV’s that have been installed at Shivaji Nagar Bus Station will keep track of mischievous elements.

“Majestic and Shanthi Nagar do not have CCTV’s installed. But, retired policemen who have been recruited by us keep a vigil on people. As the Majestic Station will be shifted shortly for the Bangalore Metro construction, we have put on hold a proposal to install CCTV’s there” said S K Bellatti, Chief Security and Vigilance Officer, BMTC.

BIA on alert as well

Meanwhile sources at the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) in Devanahalli said the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has increased their vigilance at the airport.
“BIA is classified as a hyper-sensitive airport. The level of basic general alert will continue, in addition to constant inputs from the RAW and IB, based on threat perception”, said a CISF officer.