200 rly stations on extremist radar

Though the ministry officials claim that a high-tech security system is being built up at these stations, the fact is that it will take time to install it.  According to Railway Ministry sources, the Maoist area where the Gyaneshwari express was derailed has been identified as one of the most vulnerable areas, along with adjoining parts of Orissa.

They say that four railway sections in the state have been identified as vulnerable and these include the Tomka-Keonjhargarh-Jaroli section, Koraput-Rayagada-Araku, Rayagada-Parvatipuram town, Sambalpur-Angul section and the Titlagarh-Raygada section.

According to the ministry, nominated trains are escorted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and General Police Force on the vulnerable sections  and that additional deployment is done at strategic points. Sources said the Intelligence wings of the RPF, in coordination with state police and other Intelligence agencies, will gather information about the activities of the extremists.  Select RPF staff are also undergoing commando training. The sniffer dog squads in railway divisions and zones are being augmented. The ministry is installing Integrated Security Systems at these stations which will cost Rs 353 crore.