Railway platforms will be restricted to passengers: Lalu

Patna, July 20 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today said a proposal was under consideration of the government to prevent entry of persons into railway platforms to see off passengers.

This step would help prevent the criminal elements from executing their plans to cause damage to railway stations and commuters, Mr Prasad said addressing a function here to mark the conversion of Rajendra Nagar Terminal into a model railway station.

''The railways have strengthened security mechanism for commuters throughout the country following the Mumbai blasts while we have taken up the matter with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to gear up GRP network in Bihar,'' he said.

He said close circuit TV will be installed at all important rilway stations of the country to prevent Mumbai type terrorist attack in future.

Government would not be cowed down by the terrorists' attack and they would be dealt strongly, he added.

Mr Prasad announced that circular trains would be introduced in Bihar connecting important stations of the state.

He assured equal treatment to all states and regions in respect of development of railway systems and said that lopsided development would not be allowed in railways.

Union minister of state for heavy industries Kanti Singh, RJD MP Ram Kripal Yadav and local MLA Arun Kumar Sinha also addressed the function.

UNI DH BNG BA MIR PC2349