AP Government Railway police to step up vigil at Vijayawada railway station

Vijayawada: The Government Railway Police (GRP), Vijayawada Division will step up vigil in and around Vijayawada railway station in view of the Dasara celebrations to be held from October 10 to 18. 

It is estimated that passenger traffic will increase by one lakh passengers every day at the Vijayawada railway station in view of Dasara festivities. Lakhs of devotees from North and South coastal districts and parts of Telangana visit the Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri for the annual event. 

The GRP has planned to take the help of GRP police working in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, Nellore and other places during the nine-day event.

Speaking to The Hans India, GRP, Vijayawada Division SP K V Mohana Rao said about 200 police personnel were drafted for duty every day in the station and the staff would be doubled during the Dasara festival season.

Security would be beefed up near the queue lines, entry and exit points, waiting rooms and other places, he added. Keeping in view of huge rush during the festival season, many criminals particularly the robbers and pick pockets from other places likely to camp at Vijayawada railway station to rob the pilgrims, come by trains from other places.  

Mohana Rao said the additional staff would be used to regulate the rush of passengers at exit and entry points and queue lines to prevent stampede. More dog squads and metal detectors would be pressed into service to prevent any untoward incidents. 

Stating that Vijayawada Railway station was one of the biggest stations in the country, he said more than 200 express trains pass via Vijayawada railway station every day. Passenger traffic would be increased during the festivals like Dasara, Sankranti and Diwali, he said and added the GRP would also step up vigil in and around the railway station for the safety of passengers.