No More DDLJ-Style Train Catching: Arrive 20 Minutes Early For Security Check, Says Indian Railways

Indian Railways passengers may have to reset their expectations as Indian Railways plans introduce a security-check system on the lines of airports at railway stations. In order to finish the security checks in time, the gates would be closed 15-20 minutes before the scheduled time of departure, Financial Express reports.

Under the new arrangement, the passengers will have to arrive at least 20 minutes before the time of departure. This will ensure that the security checks are done and the trains run on time

Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF), Arun Kumar, said that high-security with the latest technology will be implemented at Prayagraj during the Kumbh Mela.

The reason for proposing to seal the railway stations is to identify the openings and work on the entry points that can be closed, to avoid glitches in the security. More than 200 railway stations are a part of the blueprint.

Collapsible gates and fixed boundary walls will be established and RPF personnel will man the gates and look after the security. The 15-20 minutes early time requirement is to ensure that passengers do not run late because of the security checks.

While the security system is set to increase, the number of personnel will remain the same. This entire project is a part of the Integrated Security System (ISS) which got approval back in 2016 and covers 202 railway stations across the country, including security measures such as CCTV cameras, baggage screening system, bomb detection and disposal etc. The project is estimated to cost Rs 385.06 crore.