The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has tightened security across the northeastern region and some parts of West Bengal and Bihar ahead of Independence Day, an official said on Tuesday.
"To prevent any untoward incident ahead of the Independence Day on Wednesday, NFR authorities have asked the security forces to increase their vigil all along the railway networks in the northeastern region and some parts of West Bengal and Bihar," an NFR spokesman said.
Although there is no specific threat, the spokesman said that the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) since last week have started their patrolling and vigilance in and around the railway networks.
The NFR serves seven districts in West Bengal and five districts in north Bihar, besides the northeastern states, excluding Sikkim.
"A quick reaction team comprising 13 fully armed RPSF troopers alongwith 26 RPF personnel under one officer has been on shift duty at the Guwahati railway station. In addition, 30 GRP personnel along with 10 CRPF jawans are also helping in maintaining security of the station, the spokesman added.
Guwahati is the biggest railway station of the northeast region with a footfall of 40,000 passengers per day and more than 30 pairs of trains pass through this station daily.
"So security of the Guwahati railway station is of paramount importance," the official said
Sniffer dogs have also been deployed for checks. Random frisking of passengers with the help of hand metal detectors is being carried out.
Round the clock monitoring by CCTV of all vulnerable areas was also being carried out.
"Instructions have been issued to the security agencies to frequently check the dustbins, cloak rooms, parcels and parking area. Interactive sessions with the coolies, vendors, taxi and auto rickshaw drivers have been organised to brief them to keep a watch over suspicious persons and article," the spokesman said.
Tripura closes all schools for 4 days due to heat wave conditions
With the state buffeted by a heat wave, the Tripura government on Wednesday declared a holiday in all schools for four days from Wednesday to provide respite to children.
All three units of EVMs have their own microcontroller, ECI tells SC
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday apprised the Supreme Court that all three units (i.e. ballot unit, control unit and VVPAT) of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have their own microcontroller.
Congress ready to set 'dangerous precedent' by implementing Inheritance Tax: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed the Congress, saying that the party seeks to destroy the ordinary people of India economically and is about to set a "dangerous precedent" by implementing an 'Inheritance Tax' if voted to power.
PM Modi has lifted 400 million people out of poverty: JP Morgan CEO
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken 400 million (40 crore) people out of poverty and is doing an “unbelievable job” in India, Global banking giant JP Morgan Chase chief executive officer (CEO) Jamie Dimon has said.
India to become one of biggest chip hubs in next 5 years: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India has commissioned four semiconductor manufacturing units and in the next five years, the country will become one of the biggest semiconductor hubs in the world, Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said.
PM Modi highlights need for resilient infrastructure at 39-nation meet on natural disasters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised the need to invest in resilient infrastructure as part of the strategy to minimise the damage from natural disasters that are on the rise across the world.
India calls for ‘gender-responsive arms control’ to prevent sexual violence in conflicts
To combat sexual violence in conflict situations, India has advocated a multifaceted approach which includes “gender-responsive arms control” that prevents the proliferation of weapons.
Pressing UNSC reforms, India highlights consensus in G20 with broader membership
Pressing the case for Security Council reforms, India has highlighted the consensus arrived at the more representative G20 Summit on issues that could not make it through the UN's highest decision-making body stuck in a "cold war" mode.