New Delhi:
Apprehending a "credible threat" from Maoists during the two-day bandh call given by them, railways on Tuesday said it has formed a special task force to meet any eventuality following an alert issued by the home ministry and intelligence bureau.
"We have received alert from the home ministry and Intelligence Bureau about the possible attack on trains and railway properties by Maoists during the 48-hour bandh that begins on Wednesday," RPF DG Ranjit Sinha told PTI.
"The threat appears to be credible and we are not taking any chances," he added.
The threat by Maoists includes a warning to passengers not to embark on train journey during the bandh period.
Railways' concern is further heightened by the fact that Maoists have vowed to take revenge of its leader Azad's killing by the Andhra Pradesh Police in an alleged encounter near Sarkapalli village in Adilabad district a few days back.
"We have written to our General Managers and DRMs in all Maoist-affected states to take necessary precaution in this regard," the official said.
Orissa, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Maharashtra are the regions worst affected by Naxal violence.
The special task forces, headed by the respective divisional security commandants, will be kept on standby in stations considered important from the point of security. Each task force will comprise 25 personnel from RPF and RPSF. Pilot engines will run even during the day time to escort trains in bunches.
Night operations will remain suspended in Kharagpur division as a precautionary measure till July 9, officials said.
"We are taking stock of the situation in close coordination with the home ministry, state police and intelligence bureau, Sinha said.
Meanwhile, another senior railway ministry official said, "Suspension of night operations in other sections would be considered depending on the emerging situation."
Speed restriction of 65 km per hour on trains, deployment of RPF and GRP personnel in important trains are among several safety steps that railways will implement during this period.