Amid recent incidents targeting railway infrastructure and train operations, the Railway Ministry on Thursday urged passengers to remain alert during travel and immediately report any suspicious activity or individuals on railway premises through helpline number 139.
The appeal came after a high-level security review meeting chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi. Ministers of State for Railways V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh Bittu, along with senior Railway Board officials and field officers from across the country, attended the meeting.
According to the Ministry, initial investigations into several recent incidents, including some fire-related cases, have pointed towards the involvement of anti-social elements. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is actively probing these incidents.
Officials noted during the meeting that timely and proactive action by railway authorities in several instances helped prevent larger mishaps.
The Railways said it is intensifying the use of modern technology tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones and CCTV systems to strengthen the safety of passengers, trains, stations and the wider rail network. The initiative is being carried out in mission mode with a focus on improving intelligence gathering at the beat level of the RPF.
During the review, discussions focused on enhancing field-level intelligence inputs through a stronger reporting system and faster processing of information using technology. Officials also discussed expanding CCTV coverage across the railway network and improving coordination between Railway Board headquarters and field zones.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said intelligence gathering from the field is being strengthened using modern technology tools.
The meeting also reviewed measures related to cyber security, upgrading camera specifications and deploying AI-based surveillance and monitoring systems across railway premises.
The Ministry further stressed the need for closer coordination and information sharing between the RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) to improve overall security management across the Indian Railways network.
Passengers have been advised to immediately inform authorities through helpline number 139 if they notice any suspicious person or activity at stations or during their journey.
