Railways takes OTP route, bets on smart-locks to stop theft from parcel vans

In an effort to prevent theft and pilferage of consignments and to protect its burgeoning parcel and goods business, the Railways has decided to fit “smart” digital locks, which open only with a one-time-password sent to phones — that, too, only at intended destinations on its wagons and parcel vans in trains.

At present sealing wax is put on locks of wagons to protect them.

In the current system, if the sealed lock of a parcel van or a wagon is found tampered with, Railway has to get personnel from the Railway Protection Force, the Commercial department, and also a member of the consignee present to inspect the goods. This takes hours, and also results in detention of trains.