Security intensified in K'taka railway stations

Bangalore, Feb 20 (UNI) Security has been tightened in Bangalore City and other important railway stations in the Bangalore Division of South Western Railways following the bomb blasts in Samjautha Express, killing 68 passengers and injuring many others.

The Railway Protection Force, which had been summoned to the State anticipating trouble in the wake of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal pronouncing its final award, was pressed into service.

Metal detectors have been installed at the entry point of Bangalore City Railway Station. Random check of luggages and frisking were done at the entry point, platforms and trains with the help of hand-held metal detectors, according to a SWR release here today.

Train formations were throughly checked at pit and washing line and brought to the platform with escort. The formations were opened for the entry of passengers in the presence of security staff.

After passengers occupied the coaches, dog squads and police teams would be pressed into service and trains would be checked on the platforms, the release said.

Divisional Railway Manager and Inspector General of Police/ Railways with Senior Divisional Security Commissioner/RPF inspected and reviewed the security arrangements at Bangalore City, Cantonment and Yesvantpur railway stations and issued necessary instructions, the release said.

UNI