Luggage tags, restricted platform entry on Thar Express

Jaipur, Feb 23 (UNI) In the wake of devastating bombings on Samjhauta Express, unprecedented security measures were put in place on Thar Express, which connects India and Pakistan on the Rajasthan border.

The train is scheduled to depart after midnight from Jodhpur.

Measures like luggage tags, travel permission to only those who have confirmed tickets, restricted platform entry and patrolling of the tracks have been introduced on the train connecting Monabao and Khokrapar.

Mr S B Gandhi, Deputy General Manager, North-Western Railways, told UNI that a three-tier checking system has been introduced to ensure foolproof security.

The train which leaves Jodhpur at 0100 hrs will be brought late on the platform at around midnight. The ticket counter will be closed at 2000 hrs, five hours before the train leaves. After 2100 hrs, only passengers with confirmed tickets would be allowed on the platform. Relatives or attendants would be barred from platform entry, Mr Gandhi said.

Passengers will have to reach platform no.1 two hours before the departure time at 2300 hrs.

They will be allowed on the train only after a thorough check by RPF jawans. The last security check will be done inside the train, where the passengers would be asked to identify items of their luggage.

Then the luggage would be properly tagged, Mr Gandhi added.

Introducing a separate luggage coach on the only rail link between the two neighbours, besides the Samjhauta Express is also on the anvil, he said.

The Thar Express will be made to halt in front of the Railway Police force station. Barricades have been put to bar the entry of unwanted people. Constant patrolling of Jodhpur-Monabao track was also on.

Two bogies of the Delhi-Attari special caught fire on Sunday night after explosives placed in suitcases exploded near Panipat in Haryana, in which 68 people, including many Pakistani nationals, were killed.

UNI