Bengaluru: Following severe overcrowding at city railway stations from Friday evening, South Western Railway’s (SWR) Bengaluru division has stated that security arrangements will be strengthened during the Gauri Ganesha festival.SWR stated that additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel were being deployed at major railway stations, platforms, circulating areas, entry and exit points and other vulnerable locations, particularly during peak hours and periods of increased passenger movement. “Special attention is being given to effective crowd management, prevention of overcrowding and maintaining smooth passenger movement. The RPF dog squad is being effectively deployed at railway stations and other important locations for anti-sabotage and explosive detection checks,” SWR said.As crowding has become significant, regular checks will be conducted in coordination with other security agencies to identify and prevent any suspicious or unattended objects. RPF personnel are also maintaining close surveillance through the extensive CCTV network installed at high-footfall railway stations, including KSR Bengaluru.Additionally, special teams and personnel have been briefed to remain alert and vigilant against pickpocketing, theft, unauthorised entry, suspicious activities, and other offences affecting passenger safety.In coordination with Govt Railway Police (GRP), railway authorities and other concerned agencies are also being utilised for crowd management. “Passengers are advised to remain vigilant, take care of their belongings and not leave any baggage unattended. They are also requested to promptly report any suspicious activity, object or person to the railway helpline number 139 or to the nearest RPF/GRP personnel,” RPF said in a statement.
