Same Platform No. 18, but with 10 big changes

There were more than 100 policemen deployed at platform number 18 alone.

1. Security personnel: There were more than 100 policemen deployed at platform number 18 alone. On Sunday, when the ill-fated train left Old Delhi railway station, there were just six.

2. Dog squads: At least two dog squads were seen combing the platform. This was never done before.

3. Luggage checked and weighed: The luggage of the passengers were not just being checked, they were also being weighed to see whether they conformed to weight restrictions. According to railway rules, only 40 kg luggage is allowed per passenger. The passengers can carry more luggage after paying extra charges, but even then not more than 70 kg. Passengers on Samjhauta have in the past often carried more than 100 kg baggage per person without any objections being raised.

4. Special entry gates and metal detectors: Platform number 18 is open from the sides towards its end and people can walk in from every direction. Not today though. They were two Door Frame Metal Detectors DFMDs placed at the start of the platform8212;one each for men and women8212;through which every passenger had to pass. Police personnel were manning the open end so that no one could enter from that side.

5. Tea and food vendors: Since the platform serves almost exclusively to Samjhauta Express, there is not a single food trolley operating on it as there is not much business. Today, food trolleys were especially called from nearby platforms and whisked through security to set up shop on the platform.

6. Dedicated coolies: As many as 50 coolies were selected earlier in the day and told to operate exclusively on platform number 18. No other coolie was allowed to go on the platform.

7. Wheelchairs: Two wheelchairs placed on the platform. The wheelchairs were full of dust so some enterprising official put white sheets of cloth over it to give it a nice look.

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8. Clean platform: The platform would have never looked cleaner. The Railways also tried to beautify it in some ways. Even the tracks were washed and chalk powder sprayed on them.

9. Neon signs: Bright neon lights with the sign 8216;Departure Area for 4001 Attari Express8217; was placed at the entry post.

10. Waiting area: One part of the platform was converted into a waiting area with a few chairs placed there. Passengers were supposed to wait there before passing through DFMDs into the 8216;Departure Area8217; which was accessible only to ticket holders. Earlier, the platform used to get overcrowded with a large number of people who came to see their relatives off.