We will soon be confronted with a very dangerous and almost un-surmountable problem – Rail Terrorism.
Militant leaders like Ghauri have already instructed their cadres to derail trains in India.
Recently, a gas cylinder was found on the rail track in Uttar Pradesh. A huge cement slab was placed on the rail track on which a Vande Bharat train was to cross.
These terrorist acts can lead to 100s of casualties in one stroke itself so why wouldn’t the terrorists go for this very easy option?
It is virtually impossible to guard the length and breadth of the rail tracks in our country. Force deployment is not the answer.
We will have to depend a lot on technology to avert train accidents.
Drones for patrolling, high resolution cameras as eyes in the sky, technology to alert train drivers should there be a disruption on the rail tracks, special security for linesmen and train monitoring cabins etc.
But I think, a tit for tat would be the most ideal antidote. A retribution in the enemy country which will cause huge casualties will put such activities in India on hold. Diplomacy, on occasions like this, must take a back seat.
Talking about low cost options for terrorists – this rail terrorism is the lowest cost option.