Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that Indian Railways is leveraging advanced technology tools such as AI, drones, and CCTVs extensively to bolster the safety of trains, passengers, and station premises. This initiative is being pursued diligently to fortify the intelligence gathering mechanism at the beat level of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), as discussed during a security review meeting in New Delhi.
The Railways Ministry engaged in comprehensive discussions with field officers nationwide, alongside senior officials in the capital, to reinforce coordination and enhance information-sharing mechanisms between RPF and Government Railway Police for more robust security management throughout the railway network. Notably, recent incidents, including certain fire outbreaks, have revealed the involvement of anti-social elements, prompting a serious investigation by Indian Railways’ RPF.
In response to these incidents, Indian Railways has taken proactive measures that have averted potentially significant consequences in various situations, as indicated by an official statement. The ministry emphasized the importance of bolstering intelligence systems, leveraging technology for faster data processing, and encouraging passengers to actively contribute to curbing anti-social activities during their journeys and while at station premises.
Passengers were urged to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities or individuals on railway premises promptly by contacting the Railway helpline number 139. The meeting also emphasized the need to enhance technology-driven security measures, expand CCTV coverage across the railway network, and improve operational security coordination between the Railway Board headquarters and field zones. Furthermore, the focus was on strengthening cyber security, upgrading camera specifications, and deploying AI-based surveillance and monitoring systems.
