Kozhikode: The railway security system is not being upgraded in par with the changing times and newer challenges. The incidents of stone pelting on coaches, placing obstructions on the tracks, and last but not the least, the alarmingly increasing incidents of violent attacks and misbehaviour inside trains, are major causes of concerns. 

The incidents of stone pelting at Vande Bharat trains have become a routine affair now, train fire incidents were reported in the months of April and June, physical assaults inside coaches and attacks on TTEs were also reported in recent times.

Vande Bharat and Humsafar trains have fire and smoke detection sensors attached to them, they have automatic train stop (ATS) systems as well. However, these facilities are not available in most of the other trains.

Fire extinguishers are usually available in the major stations. However inside trains, the extinguishers are placed only inside the AC coaches and pantry cars. Most of the extinguishers are assumed to be dysfunctional. It should be noted that the Palakkad railway division does not not really have an adequate system in place to mitigate an accidental fire situation.   

Accident relief trains and medical relief vans are only present in Palakkad, Shoranur, and Thiruvananthapuram railway stations in Kerala. 

There are not enough lighting facilities nor adequate security systems in yards and railway stations in the state. At some places there are no metal det

Kozhikode: Security and safety systems of trains and railway stations in Kerala are not upgraded in par with the changing times and newer challenges. The incidents of stone pelting on coaches, placing obstructions on the tracks and the alarmingly increasing incidents of violent attacks and misbehaviour inside trains are major causes of concerns.

The incidents of stone pelting have become a routine affair now. Train fire incidents were reported in April and June. Physical assaults inside coaches and attacks on TTEs were also reported in recent times.

Vande Bharat and Humsafar trains have fire and smoke detection sensors attached to them, they have automatic train stop (ATS) systems as well. However, these facilities are not available in most of the other trains. Fire extinguishers are usually available in the major stations. However inside trains, the extinguishers are placed only inside the AC coaches and pantry cars.

It should be noted that the Palakkad railway division does not not really have an adequate system in place to mitigate an accidental fire situation. Accident relief trains and medical relief vans are only present in Palakkad, Shoranur, and Thiruvananthapuram railway stations in Kerala.

Railway stations and yards lack proper lighting and security checks. At some places there are no metal detectors nor effective night patrolling. Overseeing of railway tracks and CCTV surveillance are also not up to the mark. All these shortcomings give undue advantages to anti-socials.

The demand for increasing the strength of RPF and Kerala Railways Police is not being considered with due importance. Post the Elathur train attack, seven additional RPF officials were posted in Koyilandy and Elathur stations.

ectors nor effective night patrolling. Overseeing of railway tracks and CCTV surveillance are also not up to the mark. All these shortcomings give undue advantages to anti socials or may be even terrorists.   

The demand for increasing the strength of RPF and railways police is not being considered with due importance. Post the Elathur train attack, seven additional RPF officials had been posted. They are currently working in Koyilandy and Elathur stations.