PRINCE KUMAR
Ranchi, April 27: As many as four baggage scanners and twenty doorframe metal detectors will be installed in the different stations of the Ranchi rail division to curb the security loopholes in the railway station premises.
Among both stations in the city, only the Ranchi railway station has the facility of a baggage scanner. While none of the stations has the facility of the doorframe metal detector.
Divisional Security Commissioner of Ranchi Rail Division Prashant Yadav said that the Ranchi rail division will get four baggage scanners by the next month. Out of four, 1 will be installed at the south gate of Ranchi Railway station, 1 at Muri station, 1 at Hatia station and the one left will be preserved so that in case a baggage scanner gets any defect, the preserved one will be used in that place till the time the defected one get back in service again.
“Around 20 doorframe metal detectors will be installed in the different stations of the Ranchi rail division. Four metal detectors will be installed at Ranchi Railway station, 3 each at Hatia, Muri and Lohardaga station and 1 each in the rest of the stations of the Ranchi rail division,” Prashant added.
However, sources said that introducing a scanner is a great move, but authorities should ensure that passengers are not harassed. As many as 40 trains originate from the station. Proper steps should be taken to ensure that passengers do not miss trains because of scanning.
A railway official, however, questioned its purpose. “The doorframe metal detector at the station’s entrance is just for show. On many occasions, people have passed through it carrying items which are banned,” the official alleged.