GRPF personnel undertook a massive combing operation at Chennai Central and took as many as 40 persons into preventive custody late Saturday.
GRPF DSP V. Ponramu told DC that about 200 personnel were pressed in to service Friday night to identify presence of unauthorised persons on platforms, eliminate touts and criminals operating after dark at Chennai Central.
Accordingly, 200 suspicious persons were isolated from passengers after interrogation and about 40 of them found to be occupying the platforms suspiciously and without proper tickets were taken into preventive custody.
The arrested also include 20 touts disturbing passengers besides persons without proper identity and address proofs, he said.
An additional strength of 100 personnel have been roped in regulate crowd and ensure hassle free journey for passengers this summer, Mr Ponramu said. Referring to the mad rush witnessed since late April, he said special security and crowd management drive would continue throughout the summer till June 15.
At any given time or for each shift, 100 GRPF personnel were available at Chennai Central to man the platforms.
Separate cops were put in place to regulate men and women passengers, Mr Ponramu said also referring to the token system under consideration for managing crowd trying to board unreserved compartments.
Meanwhile, divisional railway manager, Chennai, S. Ananatharaman warned vendors against selling water bottles beyond the prescribed rate.
He told mediapersons that efforts were also on to increase sale of water marketed by IRCTC all major stations.
He said he has also instructed all the station masters to ensure that hygienic food and safe drinking water is provided for the passengers.