Question : SECURITY THREATS IN THE RAILWAYS

(a) whether any deliberations took place among various concerned Ministries in December 2007 regarding the entire gamut of Railway security including the safety of passengers and property; and

(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R. VELU )

(a)&(b): No, Sir. However, on 13.1.2008, a high level meeting between Home Minister and Railway Minister was held 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.