(a) whether the Government are aware that train passengers are targeted by extremists,terrorists, anti-social and
criminal elements;
(b) if so, whether to check such threats and harassment, the Union Railway and Home Ministers have reviewed the position
and propose to take some effective steps in this regard; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS(SHRI R. VELU)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir.
(c): A high level meeting between Home Minister and Railway Minister was held on 13.1.2008 in the Ministry of Railways
to review overall security system in Railways,which was attended by senior officials of Home and Railway Ministries and
following decisions were taken :-
1. There is a need for better cooperation and coordination between RPF, GRP, State Police and IB.To ensure these objectives,
Ministry of Railways will nominate State-wise Nodal Officers.List of such nodal officers will be sent by Railways to IB.
2. Present set up of Intelligence and coordination among various stakeholders is not proper.Therefore, a mechanism will be
set up for intelligence sharing and dissemination among them especially Intelligence Bureau, Railway Protection Force and
State Police.
3. RPF will accord top most priority to the security of passengers among its charter of duties.
4. Owing to increase in the charter of responsibilities after amendments in the Railways Act and the RPF Act,which give the
responsibility of the security of Railway property,passengers and passenger area to the RPF, there is a definite need to
proportionately increase the strength of RPF.
5. In view of increased responsibility on the face of high vulnerability of Railways & travelling public, legal empowerment
of RPF is essential for providing effective security to passengers & passenger area.This should be examined and necessary
amendments in the Act and rules may be resorted to.
6. Suitable measures be taken to remove stagnation in RPF Officers’ Cadre duly ensuring that their promotional & Career
prospects are brought at par with other Group ‘A’ services of Indian Railways.
7. Concepts of Security should be in built in the Railway project, especially in disturbed regions, at the time of
inception of the project.
8. It was agreed that RPF needs to be provided with appropriate security gadgets and electronic surveillance equipment.
Adequate budgetary provision will be made available for this at the appropriate state.