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 platform—one each for men and women—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.

... contd.