Title - Integrated Security System in stations soon

The Integrated Security System, a comprehensive effort to protect major railway stations from external threats, is likely to become operational in Southern Railway in March, next year.About 14 major railway stations in the Southern Railway including Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram have been covered under the system.The stations will be equipped with modern security gadgets like close circuit TV system, X-Ray machines for screening baggage and door frame metal detectors.“We have given the purchase orders for the equipment that are likely to be delivered in two or three months. The Integrated Security System will be functional by the end of the current financial year,” said A K Mittal, general manager, South Western Railway and  Southern Railway. He was briefing newspersons on the sidelines of the 28th Railway Protection Force (RPF) raising day here on Tuesday.Asked whether the system would be launched simultaneously in all the 14 selected stations, he said that the Integrated Security System would be first provided at the stations situated in the divisional headquarters. Earlier addressing the gathering on the occasion, the GM said that the Integrated Security System is being installed at a cost of Rs 29 crore in these stations.In his address, V K Dhaka, Chief Security Commissioner, Southern Railway said that 491 criminals were booked under Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act and stolen railway property worth of Rs 18.66 lakh was recovered till August this year. Pointing out that the RPF is conducting regular drives and has prosecuted about 70, 000 offenders under various sections of the Railways Act, he said, “Ninety touts, who were involved in unauthorised selling of railway tickets were arrested upto August, 2012.”

On the other hand, Dhaka stated that 296 runaway and destitute children were rescued by the RPF and handed over to their parents and NGOs.

Meanwhile, several RPF officials received medals for their meritorious services on the occasion.