Mysuru: The effect of pro Kannada activists’ ‘Rail Roko’ on Thursday had no effect on trains from Mysuru. None of the trains were delayed from Mysuru division south western railway.
Pro Kannada activists belonging to Mysuru Rakshana Vedike who staged protest outside the railway station near Babujagajivan Ram Circle were arrested by Mandi Mohalla Police Station Inspector Lakshikant Talawar and team as the protesters have not taken the required permission for staging the protest. The protesters were seen shouting slogans against the State government and the Central government before being taken into preventive custody.
The number of passengers was almost down to 50 per cent. As many of them knew about the ‘Rail Roko’, several of them had probably taken the road transport. The railway officials of Mysuru division had made elaborate security arrangements.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka, Atul Gupta, Divisional Railway Manger, Mysuru division, South Western Railway said, “Officially, there has been no cancellation of any train. More security personnel have been summoned and we are taking all precautionary measures to prevent untoward incidents. Apart from GRP, we have also requested local police for their help. The protesters in Mysuru, Mandya and Bengaluru have planned to block rail traffic”.
Prakash Panda, Division Security Commissioner (Railway Protection Force), Mysuru division, South Western Railway elaborating the security arrangement for the proposed Rail Roko said, “Among 134 railway stations which come under Mysuru division, more than 20 railways stations have been identified as sensitive railway stations including Mysuru, Davangere, Hassan, Haveri, Arsikere, Shivamogga and Bhadravathi. As part of security measures, we had requested our headquarters in Hubballi for additional force who in turn requested Delhi for the same. Based on our request, we have got more than 100 Railway Protection Special Force who have already been posted to respective railway stations. We had also spoken to 10 to 12 district Superintendent of Police and requested them for their help to provide security to railway stations in their respective limits. Apart from elaborate security arrangements at railway stations, we have selected 22 to 25 trains providing adequate security. We are trying our best to provide safe journey and smooth functioning of railway services”.
As many as 28,000 people including 3000 season ticket holders commute from Mysuru every day. There are 42 trains which depart from Mysuru to various places bi-weekly and weekly. During Dasara season, the number of commuters crosses more than 40,000 people.
