Odisha Police Pushes for Stronger Railway & Coastal Security
DGP stresses modernisation, technology adoption, and enhanced field readiness at state-level workshop
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania said that professional competence, timely preparedness, and better coordination remain central to delivering effective policing, especially in key security domains such as railways and the coastline.
Khurania was speaking at the inauguration of a one-day skill enhancement workshop at Police Bhawan, aimed at strengthening the Railway and Coastal Security wings of the Odisha Police—two units that have growing importance as the state expands its transport networks and coastline-based economic activities.
Emphasizing the need for constant upskilling, the DGP urged officers to apply the technical knowledge and field insights gained from the workshop to improve operational efficiency. He pointed out that emerging threats, technological shifts, and increased movement along both rail and maritime corridors require officers to stay sharp and updated.
Khurania underscored that modernising these specialised units is among the Odisha Police’s top priorities. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen human resources, adopt advanced technologies, and increase efficiency in field operations. “The state government is committed to making Odisha Police one of the most modern and robust in the country. We are receiving full support to upgrade our infrastructure, technology, and preparedness,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, the DGP detailed the state’s latest initiatives to bolster coastal security. The government has allocated ₹149.95 crore in the budget for coastal safety measures. As part of the upgrade, the police have already procured 10 drones for aerial surveillance and hired three fishing trawlers for operational deployment along the coast.
Efforts are also underway to induct fast interceptor boats this year to strengthen maritime patrolling capacities. Additionally, 140 Special Police Officers have been deployed at fish landing centres across the coastline to improve ground-level vigilance.
Khurania announced that a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre will soon be set up in Bhubaneswar to monitor real-time feeds from drones, marine vessels, and partner agencies—enabling faster decision-making and coordinated responses. He added that 32 fishing ports and harbours are in the process of being brought under CCTV surveillance, and procurement of new coastal patrol boats has also begun.
On the railway security front, the workshop brought together senior officers from all marine and railway police stations, with district SPs joining virtually. Experienced experts from across India served as resource persons.
The sessions focused on equipping officers with enhanced knowledge of cyber forensics, general forensic practices, modern investigative techniques, and coordination protocols between the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the State Railway Police. Participants were also introduced to the latest national-level tools, technologies, and facilities designed to address emerging security challenges.
The DGP said the training will play a key role in boosting field competence and improving coordination between different security agencies operating across Odisha. He emphasised that strengthening railway and coastal security is essential not only for crime prevention but also for safeguarding economic assets, passenger safety, and coastal communities.
As Odisha continues to expand its ports, industries, and transport corridors, the state’s focus on specialised policing, technology-driven surveillance, and skilled manpower is expected to play a decisive role in enhancing overall security preparedness.
