NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Friday announced that a number of measures, including tightening of security at railway stations and modernising the Railway Protection Force (RPF), were being taken in the wake of firebombing of the Samjhauta Express on Sunday, which left 68 people dead.

Making a suo motu statement in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Prasad said a number of new measures were put in place on Pakistan-bound trains. The Railways had taken steps to strengthen and modernise the RPF, besides increasing the number of sniffer dog squads and explosive detection devices. CCTVs and video cameras were being installed at all sensitive stations. Existing vacancies were being filled to augment the RPF's strength.

"Intensive training is being given to the RPF to enhance its professional competence and efficiency. Steps like having only reserved accommodation in these trains, identification of individual passengers and their luggage before boarding the train and permitting excess baggage in a separate compartment are also being taken."

Probe on

He said the Bomb Disposal Squad recovered three suitcases from the accident site near Panipat and they contained Improvised Explosive Devices, kerosene and petrol. A statutory inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, Northern Circle, was on.

Mr. Prasad said he had announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured, which was more than the normally paid amount.

Compensation up to Rs. 4 lakh would be additionally payable to the affected by the Railway Claims Tribunal as per the extant rules. "I have also ordered free rail services for relatives travelling for identification of the dead and for transportation of the bodies back."

After the blasts rescue efforts were launched on a warfooting with the help of fire-fighting and medical relief teams of the Railways and local administration, Mr. Prasad said.

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