In a significant move to enhance security for millions of commuters, the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Patna has unveiled a comprehensive master plan aimed at bolstering passenger safety and curbing criminal activities on trains and at stations. This initiative is a direct response to the rising number of incidents, often exacerbated by the vast and challenging jurisdictions of existing railway police stations.
Tackling Vast Jurisdictions for Faster Response
The plan, proposed by Patna Rail SP Inamul Haq Mengnoo, strategically addresses the core issue of delayed police response. Under the current Patna rail district, police stations such as Biharsharif, Gaya, Danapur, Ara, Buxar, and Pataliputra cover extensive areas, some stretching from 45 to 59 kilometres. Officials note that when incidents occur near remote stations, halts, or bridges, it takes considerable time for police to arrive, a delay that criminals frequently exploit.
A prime example is the Gaya rail police station, which oversees an area of approximately 59 km. The sensitive stretch near Pahadpur, located between Gaya Junction and Dilwa, is about 27 to 32 km from Gaya with several halts in between. To ensure immediate intervention, a proposal has been sent to establish a new railway police station at Pahadpur.
Strategic Crime Control Centres at Key Locations
Complementing the new station, the Rail SP's proposal recommends setting up five dedicated rail crime control centres at strategic points identified as critical or sensitive. These locations have been chosen based on operational challenges and geographical coverage.
The five proposed centres are at Harnaut, Sadisopur, Bihiya, Dumraon, and Digha Bridge.
- Harnaut: Falls under the Biharsharif rail police station's area, where police currently face delays in reaching incident sites.
- Sadisopur: Selected due to the long area extending up to Koelwar under the Danapur rail police station's jurisdiction.
- Bihiya: Considered a strategic point within the 50 km-long area of the Ara rail police station.
- Dumraon: An important halt in the 45-km-long jurisdiction of Buxar rail police station.
- Digha Bridge: Deemed necessary despite its proximity to Pataliputra rail police station, given the sensitivity of the bridge and surrounding area.
A Proactive Step Towards Safer Railways
The primary objective of this master plan is to ensure a rapid response to incidents and significantly enhance passenger safety. By decentralising presence and establishing forward operating bases, the GRP aims to shrink response times and create a more visible security apparatus. This proactive restructuring is expected to deter criminal activities and provide passengers with a greater sense of security while travelling through the region, marking a crucial step in modernising railway policing in Bihar.
