With increasing incidences of terrorist attacks across the country, there has been a need for having greater number of trained, motivated and enthusiastic personnel to ensure security of people at public places and public properties. In a new and innovative move the Indian Railways has decided to take help from civilian and student forces to beef up security in railway stations.

After long consultations with relevant directorates, the railways has finally arrived at a decision to deploy NCC Cadets, Scouts and Guides, Civil Defence volunteers and personnel for enhancing security during heavy traffic periods. The move will be initiated during the oncoming festival and holiday season when there will be heavy passenger traffic across the country. Railway officials hope to capitalise on the enthusiasm and high energy levels of students and young people who are keen to serve the country and step up security at Railway stations.

Revealing this new initiative to secure railway stations K.C. Jena, Chairman of the Railway Board said:

The recent Ajmer and Ludhiana blasts have proved that terrorist outfits are active and planning to strike. We have taken these steps to strengthen the security at railway stations as a precautionary measure. Besides the deployment of the Railway Protection Force, GRP and the state police we have decided to deploy NCC cadets, scouts and Civil Defence personnel to manage the crowds at railway stations. We have taken this step to ensure smooth flow of passengers and to avoid any untoward incidents.

Previously scouts and guides have been utilised for security at various railway activities and functions. But this is the first time that non-employee forces or students-volunteer forces will be deployed at railway stations as part of the security drive. There are about 350 railway schools where scouts, NCC cadets and guides have already been trained to handle security. The initiative will start at these 350 high-traffic stations and soon expand to other stations too. In addition to this the railways have deputed several employees are also trained as Civil Defence personnel who could also be deployed to assist security.

This is a very appreciable move by the railways. When the country is being constantly bombarded by various terror outfits, close watching and alert action by all the people is the best way to prevent the onset of terror attacks. Moreover during the oncoming months due to continuous holidays due to festivals, long weekends and school and college vacations the rush will be especially high.

A circular by railway board chairman advises all general managers of railways to mobilise NCC cadets from local universities and colleges, scouts and civil defence personell immediately. Initially the deployment of these cadets will be for the oncoming festival season and depending on the success of this initiative, it will be decided to continue the same programme during christmas and summer holidays.

In a bid to ensure responsibility and professionalism, the NCC Cadets, Scouts and Guides will be placed under the supervision of a special officer who will maintain a duty roster and ensure that there are personnel deployed 24/7. The security supervisor will be the overall head of all security during the festive season. Stations identified as sensitive have a heavy deployment of Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel in addition to the special forces.