South Eastern Railway (SER) has started using drones and sniffer dogs to secure its assets and installations. Though only a few special trains for passengers are running during the lockdown, a large quantity of freight continues to be carried across the country. Also, parcel specials are also being run. To maintain the movement, it has become crucial to provide security along the network.
“RPF personnel have been working 24×7 to secure assets. This has proven to be a difficult task during the lockdown when movement has been severely restricted. It was decided to utilize all assets, including drones and sniffer dogs, as force multipliers across the network in Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand. The drones have helped reduce the need for physical surveillance, while sniffer dogs are ensuring there is no sabotage attempt,” said Sanjoy Ghosh, CPRO, SER.
According to Ghosh, the drones are maintaining vigil on yard signalling infrastructures, wagon stocks, goods sheds and station relay rooms among others. The drone cameras are providing clear images within a 2-km radius both during the day and at night, when operated from a certain height. Sniffer dogs are not only checking for explosives but successfully keeping miscreants from railway property.
Source:Times of India
