South Western Railway implements measures for effective crowd management
Bengaluru, Oct 28: The South Western Railway (SWR) has implemented measures to ensure smooth operations across the Hubballi, Mysuru, and Bengaluru divisions, in view of increased passenger traffic during the Deepavali festival, officials said on Monday.
A total of 55 trains are scheduled for the benefit of passengers during Deepavali and Chhath festive season, they said.
According to SWR officials, for regular trains extra coaches are also augmented based on the heavy waiting list trains to clear the rush.
Officers, Commercial staff and Scouts and Guides volunteers along with Security personnel are deployed during this rush hours to control the crowd at all major stations like, Hubballi, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vasco Da Gama, Gadag, Hosapete, Ballari, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, KSR Bengaluru, Yesvantpur, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Bengaluru Cantt., Mandya, Hassan, Davangere and other railway stations across SWR.
"Increased the presence of RPF (Railway Protection Force) to maintain order and security, especially during rush hours. Security was significantly enhanced with the installation of additional CCTV cameras and baggage scanners. Extra lighting and backup power supplies are also arranged to ensure safety during peak hours and to handle any potential technical disruptions," the SWR said in a statement.
Temporary help desks have been set up to assist passengers with ticketing, directions, and schedule information at all major stations of SWR, it said.
Among other measures -- additional ticketing counters have been provided to clear the extra rush, queue managers are deputed at booking counters and at the general coach entrances to ensure that passengers obtain ticket and board the train in orderly manner, first aid box availability and ensure medical staff are on standby in case of health emergencies due to crowd pressure. Medical booths along with
SWR will temporarily add additional AC 3-tier coaches to some trains, they added.
"Additional Ticket checking staff are being deployed at the stations so as to guide the passengers about the availability of the special trains. Additional signage/Time table boards were installed across all platforms to guide passengers efficiently to Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), escalators, restrooms, and platforms. This improved navigation and reduced confusion among the large crowd," the statement added.
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Naxalism 'more or less' ended in Karnataka, says Minister Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): Naxalism has "more or less" ended in Karnataka, Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Thursday, following the surrender of six Maoists. He also strongly defended their surrender before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid criticism.
He stated that the Maoists were unarmed when they surrendered, and the police would investigate where they might have left their weapons.
The group of six Maoists who surrendered on Wednesday includes four from Karnataka—Mundagaru Latha from Sringeri, Vanajakshi Balehole from Kalasa, Sundari Kutluru from Dakshina Kannada, and Mareppa Aroli from Raichur. The other two are Vasantha K from Vellore in Tamil Nadu and N Jeesha from Wayanad in Kerala.
"Who is saying it was not appropriate for the Naxals to surrender before the CM? They should explain what is wrong and why they think it is wrong. We wanted to send a message to society that Naxalism has no place. When the surrender happens before the CM, the whole state becomes aware, and those who believe in Naxalism may rethink," Parameshwara said in response to criticism from the BJP.
Speaking to reporters, he said the surrender was intended to send a message to those involved in Naxal activities, making them aware that the government and the CM are committed to reforming them.
"What’s wrong with it? Let critics explain. Simply saying the surrender shouldn’t have happened before the CM is not right. They should provide reasons for their objections," he added.
Addressing objections raised about the rehabilitation package for the surrendered Maoists, the Home Minister defended the decision. "We will extend the package to all those involved in Naxal activities who wish to return to the mainstream. What’s wrong with that?" he said.
The six surrendered Maoists will be rehabilitated under categories 'A' and 'B' of the Karnataka Naxal Surrender Policy, 2024, and will receive Rs 3 lakh each.
Reacting to BJP general secretary and MLA Sunil Kumar’s statement that the Congress government was facilitating the surrender of Maoists as a "package" to convert forest Naxals into urban Naxals, Parameshwara dismissed the claims.
"He says such things, but Naxal activities were increasing in his constituency. The Anti-Naxal Force is based there in Karkala," he remarked.
When asked about whether the Maoists had surrendered their weapons, Parameshwara clarified that they were unarmed when they surrendered. "They left their arms behind. The police will investigate where they abandoned them," he said.
On whether Naxalism has officially ended in Karnataka, the minister said, "More or less, yes. We believe 99 per cent of it has ended."
Regarding Maoists from other states who surrendered, he said Siddaramaiah would speak to the chief ministers of those states, as the individuals face cases in their respective states in addition to Karnataka.
"As decisions have to be taken by those state governments too regarding cases against them, the CM has said that he will speak to his counterparts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu," the minister said.
