Deutsche Bahn finds two undetonated bombs on German commuter train
Security needed: Last week we wrote about the emerging market in India for critical infrastructure, but this week it’s Germany’s turn; after finding two undetonated bombs on a German train, government officials are criticizing rail security and are advising for better technology to deter possible terrorist activity
Last week two bombs were found on Deutche Bahn trains in the western German cities of Dortmund and Koblenz. Crises were averted, but the incident shed light on the need for greater security on German railways. Though there have not been any terrorist attacks in Germany recently, Christian Social Union (CSU) parliamentarian Stephan Mayer noted to the Passauer Neue Presse, a German newspaper, that Germany is not immune to such attacks. “What happened in Madrid and London can also occur in Munich or Berlin.” Mayer also added that security at train stations and on trains should be managed by a complete video surveillance system. Fellow CSU parliamentarian, Norbert Geis, however, is calling for airport-like checks at train stations. “We cannot take a chance that a bomb explodes in an ICE,” said Geis.
Airport-like checks at train stations are highly unlikely, and would cost too much money and create huge lines at the stations. There are 5,400 train stations in Germany, with between 4.4 and 4.7 million passengers each day. If you put those types of security barriers in train stations, you would need to do the same for subway stations as well, thus defeating the purpose of mass transit as a quick way to travel. There are, however, effective ways to provide security, and at the same time deter potential terrorists. Wolfgang Bosbach of the Christian Democratic Union said Deutsche Bahn needs to focus on using the most effective technology and employing enough security personnel. “Modern video technology, especially in the train stations, has a preventative effect that does not just help after the fact but can prevent crimes,” he said. “In addition to that we naturally need the presence of security guards.” The surveillance system is a plausible idea. Nearly the entire city of London is is wire for surveillance using a high-tech CCTV system. Thanks to these cameras officials were able to apprehend their suspects after the London 7 July train bombings.
Deutsche Bahn, a private company whose shares are held by the federal government, has focused on tighter security on the railways since 9/11 and even provided better training for employees leading up to this year’s World Cup.
Germany has the second densest rail network in the world, only surpassed by Switzerland. Needless to say, a security solution is needed quickly before there is real disaster on the rail system.
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