Army, CRPF to bolster security for Kashmir rail link

JAMMU, Jan 5: The stringent security measures are being implemented along the railway track, particularly in sensitive areas from Reasi to Baramulla as the much awaited train service from Katra to Baramulla is set to launch from January 20.

This section includes strategic tunnels and the iconic Chenab Bridge — the world’s tallest railway bridge.

A top official said the multi-layered security system was being finalized and will be fully operational before the train service will be launched.

He said the Indian Army, CRPF, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and Jammu and Kashmir Police will coordinate efforts to ensure the safety of passengers, trains, and railway assets.

"The RPF will primarily handle security at railway stations and trains, while the GRP will oversee counter-insurgency measures. Meanwhile, area domination and sanitization tasks will be managed by local police and the Special Operations Group (SOG)," the official said.
He said the additional pickets and personnel have been stationed in vulnerable areas near the track.

The Chenab Bridge in Reasi district has been assigned round-the-clock surveillance by a full Army company. "It will remain under constant monitoring to deter any threats," the official said.

According to officials, security arrangements including sanitization of trains before departure, passenger frisking at railway stations, and continuous patrolling in and around tunnels and bridges will be ensured every day to secure the track from Reasi to Baramulla.

Final statutory inspections of the track by the Commissioner of Railway Safety are scheduled for January 7-8. Pending approval, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the inaugural train to Kashmir. The precise date of the launch will be announced soon.

At present, the train services operate up to Katra, the base camp of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine.