Holes in security at Central and Egmore stations with scanners failing frequently

CHENNAI: Baggage and body scanners that tend to stop working perennially, making it easy for people to bypass security checks at major railway stations like Egmore and Chennai Central, bringing holes in security at stations.

Scanners are being provided only at the main entrances to these two stations. Gate number 2 at Chennai Central railway station is an easy passageway for the commuters, without undergoing any security checks.

Incidents of smuggling and other crimes in station premises have been rampant due to a lackadaisical approach of security officials.

Chennai Central is provided with baggage scanners at two entrances, but the one next to the GRP help centre is almost always closed, police personnel said.

When inquired about the security checks made at Central, an inspector said, “Sometimes, the scanners at two entrances stop working because of functioning continuously for 24 hours. The fund allocation has to be made for the scanners at the entrance from the suburban side, which has a shed for scanners but no scanners. This will soon be undertaken.”

CCTV cameras are also set up, but safety concerns are high. An RPF personnel at the Egmore station said: “Staff for security checks are low when compared to the daily footfall. It is difficult for us to monitor everyone and scan all the time. But, we inspect the suspects and take action accordingly.”

For CCTV camera installation, the central government allocated over Rs.100 crore at Central and Egmore stations with a daily footfall of around 5 lakhs and 2 lakhs respectively, but a lack of workforce in RPF and GRP and failure of existing machinery adds to holes in the security system.

Pramod Kumar, a passenger from Gujarat said: “Security should be given prime importance at city railway stations. We, as passengers, have no idea of what can we do or say about this. The security system should be strengthened. Such concerns cannot be ignored as it can turn out to be one of the biggest tragedies in Chennai.”

As per sources, Railways have employed around 170 security personnel, including the bomb disposal squad, GRP, and RPF at the Chennai Central, while Egmore has a security staff of 70 people.

“Scanners are monitored by the RPF and we keep an eye on everyone. GRP and RPF always aim to provide better security for commuters through regular security exercises,” said a GRP officer at Egmore station.