Railway firm steps up patrols

Railway firm steps up patrols

CIREBON, West Java: In anticipation of the Idul Fitri exodus
officials at the Cirebon branch of the state-run railway company
Perumka are stepping up the frequency of their patrol rounds,
from twice to four times a day.

The head of the branch, Makbul Suyudi, was quoted by Antara as
saying Tuesday that the increased patrol was needed to watch out
for areas which were prone to floods, stone-throwing and thefts.

Passengers are often victim to youths throwing stones, Makbul
said.

"Any unusual sign, like loose bolts (in the tracks) or
flooding must be reported to the nearest station," Makbul said.

He cited Tanjungrasa, Pabuaran, Pringkasap, Cangkring and
Haurgeulir as areas prone to stone-throwing, while theft was a
problem in Babakan, Losari, and Ciledug. Floods were common along
the Losari-Tanjung line, he said.

On Saturday waters reached 20 centimeters in Tanjung, which
forced a passing train to wait for three hours.

"If water takes more than three hours to subside, the train
must switch to another route to the south," he said.