The National Security Guard (NSG), alongside the Jammu & Kashmir Police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), executed a comprehensive Train Intervention Exercise at Katra Railway Station aimed at enhancing security measures against potential terrorist threats. The drill was conducted on a Vande Bharat Express, one of India’s modern semi-high-speed train services, reflecting a concerted effort to ensure the safety of passengers as well as to improve coordination among security agencies.
Katra Railway Station is a critical junction that serves as a pivotal gateway for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, a popular religious destination. The significance of the location is heightened by Indian Railways’ initiative to expand its Vande Bharat services, including a forthcoming new route that will connect Katra to Srinagar, set to commence operations in February 2025. This expansion necessitates elevated security protocols, particularly given the technological advancements and speed of Vande Bharat trains, making them attractive targets for security threats.
In the context of the exercise, NSG commandos, alongside their counterparts from the Jammu & Kashmir Police and RPF, engaged in simulations of various potential scenarios, testing their response strategies and preparedness. The primary objective was to foster inter-agency collaboration to facilitate swift and effective responses to any incidents originating from terrorist activities. Katra’s strategic position as a transit point for travelers on the upcoming Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat service—requiring passengers to switch trains due to security and health checks—further accentuates the necessity of rigorous security preparedness.
This training initiative is timely, especially as security issues in the region have become increasingly pressing, particularly along the transit routes linking the plains to the mountainous Kashmir Valley. The collaboration between the NSG, J&K Police, and RPF represents a forward-thinking approach to protecting essential infrastructure and ensuring the safety of passengers as railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir continues to grow.
