Train blasts claimed 272 lives in last three years

New Delhi, Mar 16 (UNI) As many as 272 passengers have lost their life in train explosions during the last three years, the Government told the Rajya Sabha today.

Since 2004, seven bomb blasts have taken place and 15 persons had been arrested in this connection, Minister of State for Railway R Velu told the House.

He said the number of trained sniffer dogs in the Railway Protection Force Dog Squad was being increased and bomb detection and disposal equipment, close circuit television, and hand held metal detectors were being provided at sensitive railway stations.

The Minister said upgradation of various training institutes for Railway personnel was being done and steps taken to ensure close coordination among GRP, state police and Central intelleigence agencies.

Besides a proposal that only genuine passengers with restricted number of accompanying persons should be allowed at the platforms was also being considered, but no decison has been taken yet, as efforts were being made to have a consensus on the subject, said Mr Velu.

UNI