Joint patrols boost security on India-Bangladesh border rail tracks

May 2, 2025 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

In a significant move to enhance national security, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has launched joint patrolling operations along the India-Bangladesh border.

This initiative is being carried out with the help of the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Border Security Force (BSF). It aims to improve security and protect railway tracks and passengers.

The border regions, especially where railway tracks run close to the international boundary, have been identified as high-risk zones.

These areas are now under intensified monitoring as part of a coordinated security drive.

The joint patrols focus on preventing illegal crossings, sabotage, and any other activity that could threaten railway operations. Teams from RPF, GRP, and BSF are conducting round-the-clock inspections.

They examine railway tracks and related infrastructure for signs of tampering, intrusion, or damage.

Additionally, they assess the preparedness of existing safety systems and the ability to respond swiftly to potential threats.

This combined effort is critical in maintaining safe and uninterrupted train movement in border regions.

The need for heightened vigilance has increased following the political changes in Bangladesh last year.

Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime, instances of illegal entry into India have risen, particularly through railway stations near the border.

Several Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended, and the area has also been identified as a key route for the Rohingya movement between the two countries, adding to the security challenges.

This joint initiative sends a clear message of deterrence against unlawful activities.

It also reassures local communities and passengers about their safety. Moreover, it helps protect vital railway assets that play a crucial role in cross-border trade and regional connectivity.

By bringing together the resources and intelligence of RPF, GRP, and BSF, the operation showcases a proactive and unified approach to border security.

These efforts are expected to curb infiltration, reduce security threats, and reinforce India’s commitment to safeguarding its infrastructure and citizens in sensitive border areas.

Image Credit: I Love Assam, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons