OREANDA-NEWS. Indian Railways has taken several steps for the security of train passengers. An All India Security Helpline ‘1800-111-322’ has been operational at railway Board to enable passengers to seek security related assistance round the clock. On vulnerable and identified routes/section, on an average 1300 trains are escorted by Railway Protection Force (RPF) daily, in addition to 2200 trains escorted by Government Railway police of difference states daily. All the ladies special trains running in metropolitan cities are being escorted by lady RPF constables to ensure proper security to the lady passengers.

An integrated security system consisting of electronic surveillance of vulnerable stations through Close Circuit Television Camera network, access control, anti-sabotage checks has been finalised to strengthen surveillance mechanism over 202 sensitive railway stations.

To create a more effective security mechanism over Indian Railways, a proposal for amendment in the Railway Protection Force Act, has been moved by the Ministry of Railways with the approval of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Home Affairs. This will empower the RPF to deal with serious crimes in passenger areas.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.