VASCO
With Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMD) and CCTV sets out of order and porous entry and exit points, the Vasco Railway Station has become an easy target for anti-social and criminal activities.
Major security lapses have exposed the Vasco Railway Station, a major entry and exit point for the state and the port town of Vasco, jeopardising the safety and security of hundreds of passengers and staff using the railway station on a daily basis.
Local railway officials have expressed helplessness in the matter and claim that the issue can only be resolved by the South Western Railway (SWR) authorities.
According to reliable railway station source, two DFMDs installed at entry and exit points have been out of order for many months.
"Besides, 2 CCTV sets installed inside and outside the railway station, following guidelines of the Railway board to enhance safety and security, is also not in working condition," said the source.
"What is more surprising is that the railway station has porous entry and exit points. The toilet meant for passengers in the platform has one door leading to the platform and another door leading to the city. As such, any one from the city can enter the station through the toilet and passengers without tickets can
enter and exit the station from the same toilet," the source added.
When contacted, an official who spoke to The Goan on condition of anonymity explained that the Vasco railway station falls under the jurisdiction of the Hubballi Division of SWR.
"Railway station authorities have sent several letters highlighting these security lapses," the official said.
Asked how the railway station handles the situation due to these lapses, a security on duty said they are forced to adopt ingenious methods.
"Sometimes, we just stand near the faulty DFMD and pretend that it is working, just to ensure that passengers
don't take advantage of this situation."
"We are helpless as the DFMD is out of order. We simply cannot compel all passengers to open their bags just to make sure that they are not carrying arms or other weapons. This needs to be taken up immediately," the railway security added.
A police official admitted being aware of the security lapse. "We have sought a report on this and we have been informed that the DFMDs and CCTVs at the railway station was installed by the Railways and that, railway officials have already written to their office in Hubli," the police official said.
When contacted, a SWR public relations officer at Hubballi said the matter is being taken up at the Hubballi Division.
"We have asked the Senior Divisional Security Commissioner to find out details about the problems and reasons why the DFMD is not working and also to confirm if the CCTV is malfunctioning. We will then take further action," the SWR PRO said.
