The Railway Police have asked for more arms and ammunition after intelligence reports suggested possible attacks on railways. It has asked the state government to provide 100 bulletproof jackets on “urgent basis”.

“After 26/11, we started deploying at least two armed cops at small railway stations and more than two personnel at major stations. We get frequent intelligence inputs of possible attacks on major installations, including local trains and stations. So, we should be well-equipped,” said Ashok Kumar Sharma, commissioner, Railway police, Mumbai. Two weeks ago, the railway police had beefed up the security at Churchgate and Andheri stations soon after receiving intelligence alerts of possible terror strikes.

“We have asked for more AK-47 rifles and Tavor rifles. Tavor rifles are handy as they can be moved till 45 degree. Though the state does not have enough of Tavour rifles, we have asked the state government to provide us with a few,” said Sharma. Tavor rifles are lightweight, compact and ergonomically designed. It has already been chosen to arm the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

At present, the railway police have Self-Loading Rifles (SLR), AK-47, carbines, revolvers, .303 rifles in its armoury.