New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Sniffer dogs, security equipment and more security personnel would be deployed on trains and at railway stations in the wake of the Mumbai train blasts, it was announced here Thursday.

"The railways have unfortunately become a soft target as there are several entry points at stations that make security measures tough," Railway Minister Lalu Prasad told reporters here.

"Besides, a person can get into a train from a small station and travel anywhere," he added.

According to him, security was being stepped up at all the big stations, where close circuit televisions (CCTVs) would be installed in greater numbers, besides deployment of Government Railway Police Force (GRPF) personnel.

In addition, more Railway Protection Force (RPF) would be deployed on trains to ensure passenger safety, he added.

Stating that there were no financial constraints, the minister emphasised that the prime effort would be to ensure passenger safety both at railway stations and on trains.

"We have decided to deploy more sniffer dogs and metal detectors at the major stations to ensure greater safety," he said.

These measures would be put into effect within next few days, official sources said.