20-minute delay helped plain-clothes railway cops change into uniforms, when told that Gandhi had boarded a local train
Rahul Gandhi sent railway cops scurrying when he decided to board a local train at short notice. Fortunately, the train reached Dadar station late by 20-25 minutes, giving them enough time to dress up.
Instead of taking the helicopter readied for him, Rahul opted to go from Andheri to Ghatkopar via Dadar by local train. Officers of the Railway Protection Force deployed at Dadar station were in their civil clothes, when they got the news of Rahul's arrival and immediately rushed to change into uniforms.
Train-ing day: Rahul Gandhi travelled from Dadar to Ghatkopar in a first class compartment. pic/sameer markande
Change of plans Rahul had met students at Bhaidas Hall, Vile Parle, and was scheduled to go from there to Ramabai Nagar in Ghatkopar by road. At the last moment, he decided to take the train. He was supposed to reach Dadar station at 12.55 pm, but his train was delayed and it reached at 1.18 pm. An RPF constable from Western Railway said, "Some of our officers and constables were in their civil dress. As soon as the control room called up to inform us that Rahul is on his way to Dadar station, they immediately decided to wear their uniforms. The delay in the train's arrival helped them to do so."
Sanjay Singh, senior RPF inspector, Central Railway, Dadar, said, "When we were informed that Rahul Gandhi would be travelling by train, we immediately took up our positions to avoid inconvenience to passengers. Passengers were slightly panicky when they saw so many police officers deployed at Dadar station."
Pankaj Halgekar, senior RPF inspector, Western Railway, Dadar, said, "Rahul Gandhi took a good decision to travel by train. Not only would he reach his destination quickly, but also safely as our RPF officers have ensured tight security. Many VIPs, including ex-mayor Shubha Raul, have travelled by local trains."
The Other Side
Nitin David, Western Railway PRO, said, "We were not intimated about Rahul Gandhi's plan to travel from Andheri by train. He came just like a normal passenger. The train was only 3 to 4 mins late in reaching Dadar station." Tukaram Chavan, GRP commissioner, said, "We were not aware of Rahul's plan. When we were informed about it, our railway officers got a maximum of 12 minutes to get into their uniforms and take position, as the train was a little delayed."
