Title - AC coach vestibules to remain closed to prevent robberies at night

VIJAYAWADA: To prevent robberies on trains, the Vijayawada railway division has decided to close the vestibule (passage) between the AC bogies in the night. This decision comes in the wake of increasing number of robberies on trains. Divisional railway manager Anurag hoped this step would curb the movement of robbers on trains, especially in the AC bogies."We have decided to block the vestibule between AC bogies between 10 pm and 6 am so that the unauthorized movement could be restricted," Anurag told TOI on Thursday. Besides this, GRP and RPF escort parties would be deployed on trains for the safety of the passengers at night.As summer is more convenient for thieves and robbers to strike, the DRM cautioned the passengers against wearing expensive jewellery during train journeys. "Passengers should keep in mind that robbers would always be waiting for an opportunity to strike," he said. CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations at various stations to keep a watch on suspects, he said. Asserting that the recently-introduced tagging of luggage in the reserved bogies has been well received, the DRM said that they would take up more passenger-friendly measures.Anurag said freight earnings posted a remarkable growth at 16.95%. He said the total earnings from goods traffic had touched Rs 1,706 crore and added that additional trains would be run to meet the summer rush.The DRM said Rs 23.8 crore would be spent on providing passenger amenities like waiting rooms, circulating areas, lifts and chairs to carry the aged and the physically challenged.