Major Security Gaps at Pune Railway Station Despite Multiple High Alerts; DRM Ensures Rapid Action
Reported by Amit Singh
Pune, 14th November 2025: Despite Pune being placed on high alert multiple times in 2025 due to national and local security concerns, significant security gaps continue to persist at Pune Railway Station, one of the busiest transit hubs in the region.
Key Security Lapses Identified
According to an assessment of the existing arrangements, several vulnerabilities remain unaddressed:
- Incomplete Baggage Scanning Coverage:
Pune Railway Station has a total of five entry points, but only three are equipped with baggage scanner machines. The remaining two entrances, including access from Foot Over Bridge No. 3, allow free entry to all platforms without any baggage screening. - Unsecured Parcel Section Access:
The parcel entry area provides direct access to platforms without mandatory security scanning, posing a risk during high-alert scenarios. - Capacity Issues at Existing Machines:
Baggage scanners currently installed are unable to handle the daily footfall of over 1.6 lakh passengers. Commuters report frequent overcrowding, and machines are often non-functional, leading to compromised security checks.
DRM Responds to Concerns
When contacted regarding the identified lapses, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Rajesh Kumar Verma of the Pune Railway Division acknowledged the issues and stated that measures for immediate resolution have been initiated.
He confirmed that all concerned authorities have been directed to conduct an urgent inquiry and take corrective action.
Security Enhancements Under Progress
The DRM shared data on ongoing and proposed upgrades to strengthen security infrastructure at Pune Railway Station:
1. Surveillance System Upgrade:
- 75 cameras are currently operational.
- An additional 85 new facial recognition-enabled cameras have been installed and are in the testing phase. These are expected to become operational in the coming weeks.
2. Baggage Scanner Deployment:
- A total of 6 baggage scanner machines have been proposed:
- 4 for Pune Station
- 1 for Khadki
- 1 for Hadapsar
3. Parcel Section Security:
- 11 luggage scanners have been proposed for the Pune Division’s parcel sections.
- Currently, 1 scanner is functional at Pune Station; 4 more are expected to be installed in the next few months.
Multiple High Alerts in Pune During 2025
Pune faced repeated high-alert situations this year, reinforcing the need for robust security at critical public locations:
November 2025: High alert issued after a car explosion near Red Fort, Delhi, classified as a terror incident. Security intensified across Pune, including the railway station and airport.
October 2025: Joint ATS–Pune City Police raids at 19 locations in Kondhwa following intelligence on suspected ISIS-linked activity.
May 2025: Alerts issued during national tension under “Operation Sindoor” and after an anonymous bomb threat email. Security was enhanced around NDA, Pune airport, and Southern Command.
April 2025: Security strengthened in Pune after a terror attack in Pahalgam.
