Question : BULLET-PROOF ENGINES



(a) whether the Railways propose to run goods trains with Bullet - proof engines on terror hit stretches across the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the likely advantage thereof; and

(c) the steps proposed for the security/safety of guard cabin vis-a-vis driver in such trains?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) & (b): Running of goods train with so called bullet proof locomotives is being done selectively based on threat preception. In this process, 33 metre gauge diesel locos of Northeast Frontier Railway have been provided with bullet proof cabs. This is intended as a confidence building measure for engine crew. Besides, it has helped to run the train to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities in the region.

(c) Bullet proofing of the loco cabs has been done for the security/ safety of the Loco Pilots. For the security/safety of the guards, additional steel sheets on side wall and sand bags have been provided in the guard’s cab of trains running in these areas over Northeast Frontier Railway. Train escorting and track patrolling is done by security personnel as far as practicable.