In a high-stakes simulation designed to test the city’s preparedness against terror threats, a full-scale mock drill was conducted at Mumbai Central Railway Station on Tuesday morning. The operation, staged just days ahead of Independence Day, aimed to evaluate the coordination and response capabilities of multiple security agencies in the event of a terrorist attack.

Initial Response and Intel Gathering

The drill commenced at approximately 11:29 am with a distress scenario: a Head Constable received intel about two armed terrorists holding a passenger hostage inside the General Hall of the bustling terminus. The suspects were believed to be concealed in the AC waiting room on the first floor.

Rapid Mobilisation of Security Forces

Responding swiftly, Senior Police Inspector Hemraj Kumbhar, along with a team of officers and Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector Nahar Singh, arrived on the scene. Acting in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) outlined by the Commissioner of Police (Railways), the team immediately informed the Mumbai Railway Control Room at 11:35 am and called in reinforcements.

Establishing Security Perimeter and Deployment

Within minutes, the area was cordoned off, with all entry and exit points to the General Hall sealed. Armed officers, including units from the Dog Squad, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), and the Quick Response Team (QRT), were deployed strategically across the site. The Riot Control Unit and Railway Protection Force assisted in establishing a security perimeter.

Threat Neutralisation Operation

At around 12:15pm, QRT commandos launched a meticulous room-to-room search operation to neutralize the simulated threat. Post-operation, BDDS teams from Ghatkopar HQ, accompanied by dog squads and RPF K9 units, combed through critical areas including the booking office, parcel area, and both waiting rooms to ensure the area was secure.

Exercise Concludes Successfully

The exercise concluded by 1:05 pm, successfully testing the readiness and coordination of Mumbai’s emergency services.

Manpower and Teams Involved

More than 50 personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP) were involved in the operation, including one Senior Police Inspector, two Police Inspectors, two Sub-Inspectors, and 22 officers. The BDDS team, comprising four staff and one dog squad, played a crucial role, as did 15 RPF personnel—including one Inspector and two Sub-Inspectors—from Mumbai Central.

Supporting Units and Medical Preparedness

Also participating were 11 QRT commandos, a Riot Control Team of 11 personnel, and four members from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) based in Kala Chowki. An ambulance team was on standby for any medical emergencies.

Authorities Praise Proactive Security Measures

Authorities hailed the drill as a success, underscoring Mumbai’s proactive approach to national security and its commitment to public safety ahead of India’s 79th Independence Day.