Kerala to Curb Drunken Travel: Police Tighten Security at Railway Stations After Varkala Train Incident

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has begun a state-wide drive to identify and stop passengers arriving drunk at railway stations. The decision was made during a high-level meeting convened on Wednesday by State Police Chief Revada Chandrasekhar with officials from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Railway Police. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance passenger safety on trains across the state.

As part of the new safety protocol, the number of CCTV cameras at railway stations will be increased, ensuring 24-hour surveillance. More officers will be deployed to screen passengers, and strict measures will be taken to prevent the transport of banned or suspicious items. Revada Chandrasekhar said the new measures would be implemented without delay.

The initiative follows a shocking incident on Sunday night, when a drunk passenger allegedly pushed a young woman out of the general coach of the Kerala Express near Varkala. The woman, who sustained serious injuries, is currently undergoing treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.

The assault sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety of train passengers in Kerala. In response, the state police chief held the emergency meeting to review and strengthen security arrangements.

The state government had earlier written to the Railways requesting an increase in RPF deployment across stations. Various organisations, including DYFI, women’s groups, and government employees’ associations, have also urged the Centre to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of train passengers. On Wednesday, the DYFI district committee staged a march to the Divisional Railway Manager’s office in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding swift action.