LAHORE, Nov 22: Security arrangements at railway stations and in trains have been intensified ahead of Youm-i-Ashur and in the wake of bomb blasts in Karachi, Quetta and Rawalpindi.

Railways Police Deputy Inspector-General Munir Ahmad Chishti on Thursday directed his subordinates to keep a vigil on all passengers, without disturbing anyone. Special arrangements should be in place for special trains being run for Sikh pilgrims, he said.

All entry and exit points to the PR installations would be properly manned and incoming passengers and their luggage would be checked with metal detectors at railway stations. Commandos have been deployed at every major railway station.

According to railway police officials, the number of plainclothesmen in each train had been enhanced from six to 10.

Maximum number of PR police staff was being deputed for the protection of railways’ key points and vital installations as well as in trains, by withdrawing them from unimportant duties. Patrol by the railways policemen was being conducted regularly within the area of PR police jurisdiction.

Joint trolley patrol with the railway officials was also being undertaken. Pilot engines were being run ahead of main trains in the affected areas to avert any untoward incident. The PR Police would regularly check the patrolling being conducted by the railways gang men. Any negligence in this behalf would be reported to the general manager (operations) as well as the divisional superintendents concerned.

Meetings with the district police have been held to ensure patrolling along the track by the police outside the outer signals.

Proper sweeping of all rakes was being carried out at the washing lines before dispatching to the railway stations. — Staff Reporter