Chief Commercial Manager (Passenger), NWR and Chief PRO S B Gandhi say that directives have been issued to the railway staff on Monday, asking them to be alert. “We have also decided to send a dog squad to the station and asked teams to be extra careful and vigilant,” said Gandhi. He said he was not aware that machines needed repair and assured that the matter would be looked into immediately.

Taking note of the luggage weight, a proposal to increase rates was also floated. However, since the train mainly caters to the lower-middle class, the rates were not revised and stayed at Rs 500.

Last year, due to heavy traffic, authorities were forced to restrict the number to ensure that visa and security clearances were carried out properly. However, on February 17 this year, only 71 people took the train to Pakistan while 159 passengers from Pakistan took the return journey. The reservations for the next trip, scheduled for Saturday, will open on Thursday. “We expect a better response,” said Gandhi.

Watch on Delhi-Lahore bus

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police has decided to enhance security of “Karvan-e-Aman”, the Delhi-Lahore bus, when it passes through the state. Police sources said the state police has decied to provide additional security when this bus enters the state from Wagah border or crosses Shambu Barrier from Delhi. The police have also sounded a red alert across the state. A message has been flashed for more patrolling of crowded areas, vigil at bus stands and railway stations and checking of luggage of passengers.State borders have been sealed and nakas have been set up.