Safe Station

After MiD DAY sting exposed bribe-for-seat racket at New Delhi Railway Station, Northern Railway decides to streamline security

After MiD DAY sting exposed bribe-for-seat racket at New Delhi Railway Station, Northern Railway decides to streamline security

The New Delhi Railway Station may soon become safer and less chaotic. All those of us who have been harassed by the mad rush of passengers trying to board general compartments of trains can now breathe a sigh of relief.

After a MiD DAY sting operation exposed the 'bribe-for-a-seat' racket at the station, Northern Railway authorities have swung into action and gave decided to streamline the security system at the platforms. The coverage of surveillance cameras will be increased and only one agency will be deputed to safeguard passengers at platforms, to avoid duplicity of authority and discourage the practice of passing the buck.

Mamata Didi, are you listening? The passengers of three air-conditioned coaches of Barbil-Howrah Janshatabdi Express were looted of cash and valuables by armed dacoits on August 1.u00a0 National President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Amit Thakar, who was also travelling in the train, is demanding inquiry into the case. Pic/mid day

Northern Railway spokesperson Anant Swarup said, "We have met Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force officials and have decided that only one security agency will be deployed at the New Delhi station for safety of commuters. Personnel from GRP will not be deployed at platforms; only RPF jawans will be in charge. The coverage of security cameras will be expanded as well. The areas where commuters board general bogies will be brought under CCTV footage."

Other than this, a committee has also been set up to probe the bribe racket and to suggest changes in the present setup. "We have set up a J-grade committee (comprising senior officials) to investigate the matter. The report is expected within a week. Disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty. The committee will also suggest changes in the system so that such incidents are not repeated," said Swarup.

All for a seat: Passengers rushing to board a train

On July 30, MiD DAY carried a report about how passengers traveling in general compartments of trains to West Bengal and Bihar from the New Delhi Railway Station are forced to bribe goons to get seats. Sources said the corrupt practice is prevalent in general compartments of almost all trains. The money collected is distributed among railway officials, the police and goons. The sting operation carried out by MiD DAY exposed how passengers are harassed and not allowed to board the train till they pay Rs 50 or Rs 100, depending upon the distance to be traveled. Those who do not bribe are not allowed to board the train and often don't get a place to sit.