OTP-Based Digital Locks To Soon Guard Goods, Parcel Trains Against Theft
A top official revealed on Tuesday that the Railways will soon implement an OTP-based digital locking system to prevent theft on board its freight and package trains.
This device, which is frequently used by trucks, features a smart lock that is GPS equipped and enables real-time tracking of the vehicle to lower theft and pilferage. The system will, according to officials, solely rely on secure OTP, which will be used to unlock and close carriages.
“The goods will not be accessible while on its journey. It will be opened through an OTP and closed by another without any interference in between. Now, all we do is seal the trains and ensure at every station that the seal is untouched. This will reduce a lot of issues while the train is on run,” said an official.
To make sure the system functions properly, he stated that an employee of the railway will receive the OTP at each station where loading or unloading needs to be done.
The official described the procedure, stating that an OTP is delivered to the mobile number of the affected personnel when the lock is closed. The motorist must push the lock’s button to confirm the position after arriving at the desired spot.
An additional OTP is provided to the driver’s cellphone number when the driver’s OTP is verified in order to open the lock.
Moreover, the location of the train will be tracked. An alarm message will be sent to the official’s mobile number in the event of a collision or door tamper.
The RPF registered 6492 cases of theft of railway property in 2022, recovering stolen railway property worth 7.37 crore with the arrest of 11268 offenders under “Operation Rail Suraksha,” although the official was unable to provide data on the amount of goods stolen from trains while they are in service.
According to officials, at least three railway zones are actively looking for businesses that could offer the Railways this service at a reasonable cost.
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