Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday chaired a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi with senior field officers amid growing concerns over a series of recent fire incidents reported in trains across the country. During the meeting, preliminary investigation findings indicated the possible involvement of anti-social elements in several of these incidents, prompting the Ministry to intensify security and surveillance measures across the railway network.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the incidents have been taken with utmost seriousness, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been directed to carry out detailed investigations to identify those responsible. Officials noted that the emerging pattern in some cases points towards deliberate acts of sabotage rather than accidental causes, raising fresh concerns about passenger safety and railway security.
The review meeting focused extensively on strengthening intelligence gathering mechanisms from the ground level. Railway authorities discussed the need for a more efficient and real-time reporting system that would enable faster detection of suspicious activities and quicker coordination among security agencies. Field officers were instructed to remain vigilant and improve communication channels to prevent untoward incidents.
A major emphasis during the discussions was laid on the expansion of technology-driven security infrastructure across the Indian Railways network. Officials reviewed plans to significantly enhance CCTV coverage at railway stations, onboard trains, and other critical installations. The Ministry is also considering the deployment of advanced camera systems with improved image quality and night-vision capabilities to aid monitoring and investigations.
In a move aimed at modernising railway security, the meeting highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence-based surveillance and monitoring systems. AI-enabled tools are expected to assist authorities in identifying suspicious behaviour, unattended objects, and unusual movements in real time, thereby improving preventive security measures.
The review also covered operational coordination among various railway and security departments to ensure a swift response mechanism during emergencies. Authorities stressed the importance of seamless cooperation between the RPF, Government Railway Police (GRP), intelligence units, and local law enforcement agencies.
Cybersecurity emerged as another key focus area during the meeting. With increasing digital integration in railway operations, officials discussed measures to safeguard critical railway infrastructure from cyber threats and potential disruptions. The Ministry is reportedly working on strengthening digital monitoring systems and enhancing data protection protocols.
Indian Railways, which carries millions of passengers daily, has been gradually increasing its reliance on technology to strengthen safety and operational efficiency. Officials said that the latest measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure secure rail travel and protect critical infrastructure from emerging threats.
The Railway Ministry reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in activities aimed at endangering railway operations or public safety.
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