Bhubaneswar: Police have requested the railway authorities to install an additional baggage scanner each at the stations in the twin cities to ensure safety.

Odisha director-general of police R.P. Sharma made the announcement following the third meeting of the State Level Security Committee for Railways at his office here on Wednesday. Other issues related to rail safety such as security of properties and passengers, threat of leftwing extremists were also discussed at the meeting.

"Railway stations in Bhubaneswar, Cuttcak and Puri have one baggage scanner each. However, we requested the railway authorities to install an additional scanner in Bhubaneswar and Cuttcak as these are the entry and exit points to the state. The railway authorities have agreed to do so," said Sharma.

The committee members also decided to initiate steps for registration of criminal cases reported by passengers at the Government Railway Police (GRP) Stations other than the place of occurrence. The cases will then be transferred to the concerned GRPs directly so that investigations can start without delay.

Additional director-general, railways, P. Acharya said they had written to the state government for filling up of vacancies in the GRPs. "Several new lines such as the Angul-Sambalpur and the Rayagada-Koraput are yet to be covered by the GRP," he said.

Railway authorities were requested to take steps to improve infrastructure facilities of GRP, including construction and repair of official and residential buildings.

The committee had earlier proposed installation of CCTV cameras in high-profile trains along with bringing major stations under CCTV coverage.