South Western Railway’s Bengaluru division is strengthening security and crowd-management arrangements at major railway stations after severe overcrowding was reported from Friday evening during the Gauri Ganesha festival travel rush.
Additional Railway Protection Force personnel are being deployed at platforms, circulating areas, entry and exit points, vulnerable locations and other high-footfall areas, particularly during peak hours and periods of increased passenger movement, SWR said.
“Special attention is being given to effective crowd management, prevention of overcrowding and maintaining smooth passenger movement,” the railway said in a statement. The deployment is intended to manage passenger movement and reduce the risk of congestion at stations during the festival period.
The RPF dog squad is also being used at railway stations and other important locations for anti-sabotage and explosive-detection checks. Regular checks will be carried out in coordination with other security agencies to identify and prevent suspicious or unattended objects, according to SWR.
Surveillance has been increased through the CCTV network installed at high-footfall railway stations, including KSR Bengaluru. Special teams and personnel have been briefed to remain alert to pickpocketing, theft, unauthorised entry, suspicious activity and other offences that could affect passenger safety.
The railway’s crowd-management arrangements are being carried out in coordination with the Government Railway Police, railway authorities and other concerned agencies. The combined deployment will cover station areas where passenger volumes are expected to rise during peak travel periods.
SWR has advised passengers to remain vigilant and take care of their belongings while travelling. Passengers have also been asked not to leave baggage unattended and to report any suspicious activity, object or person to railway helpline 139 or to the nearest RPF or GRP personnel.
The enhanced arrangements will remain focused on major railway stations and periods of increased passenger movement during the Gauri Ganesha festival rush, with railway personnel continuing crowd checks, surveillance and coordination with security agencies.
