Railways Urges Passengers to Stay Alert & Vigilant While Travelling

The Voice of Chandigarh | Pari Jain

Railways are using the latest technology tools like AI, drones, CCTV, etc., intensively to enhance the safety of trains, passengers, station premises and the vast rail network. This is being undertaken in a mission mode by strengthening the intelligence gathering mechanism at the beat level of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). In a crucial high-level security review meeting held in New Delhi, the Railway Ministry carried out extensive consultations with field officers from across the country in the presence of senior officials in the national capital. The meeting was chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan. Ministers of State for Railways V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh Bittu were also present, besides the Chairman, Railway Board.

It was noted during the meeting that in the last few days, the involvement of anti-social elements has emerged during the initial probe into multiple incidents, including some recent fire incidents. Indian Railways has taken these incidents seriously, and the RPF is actively probing them. In several cases, prompt and proactive action by Railways helped avert major eventualities. It was also felt that, besides strengthening intelligence systems and using technology to process inputs faster, Railways will further encourage passengers to actively support efforts to contain anti-social activities during their journey and while waiting at station premises. Railways have thus urged passengers to remain alert while travelling. Any suspicious activity or person noticed on railway premises should be reported immediately to the Railway helpline at 139.

Discussions during the security review meeting focused on strengthening intelligence gathering mechanisms from the field through an improved reporting system. Emphasis was also laid on enhancing technology-driven security systems, expanding CCTV coverage across the railway network, and improving operational security coordination between the Railway Board headquarters and field zones. The meeting also highlighted strengthening cybersecurity, upgrading camera specifications, and deploying AI-based surveillance and monitoring systems. The meeting further focused on strengthening coordination by improving information-sharing mechanisms between RPF and the Government Railway Police for more effective security management across the railway network.