New Delhi, May 21: Indian Railways has urged passengers to remain alert and vigilant while travelling as the Railway Ministry intensifies security measures across the country’s rail network using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones and CCTV surveillance.
The appeal was made during a high-level security review meeting chaired by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday.
Ministers of State for Railways V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh Bittu, along with senior Railway Board officials and field officers from across the country, attended the meeting.
According to officials, the Railways is strengthening its intelligence gathering mechanism at the ground level through the Railway Protection Force (RPF) while deploying technology-driven systems to improve safety across trains, stations and railway infrastructure.
During the review meeting, officials discussed recent incidents, including fire-related cases, in which preliminary investigations indicated possible involvement of anti-social elements.
Railway authorities stated that these incidents are being taken seriously and are under active investigation by the RPF. Officials added that prompt intervention by railway staff in several cases helped prevent major mishaps.
The ministry emphasized that passenger cooperation is critical in preventing suspicious activities and maintaining safety across railway premises.
Passengers have been advised to immediately report any suspicious person, unattended object or unusual activity through the Railway helpline number 139.
The meeting also focused on expanding CCTV coverage, strengthening cyber security systems and improving operational coordination between the Railway Board, RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP).
Officials discussed plans to upgrade surveillance infrastructure with AI-based monitoring systems, high-resolution cameras and faster information-sharing mechanisms to improve response capabilities.
The Railway Ministry said the use of advanced technologies and stronger field-level intelligence gathering is being implemented in mission mode to enhance the overall security of one of the world’s largest rail networks.
Railway Protection Force officials were also directed to improve beat-level intelligence collection and ensure better coordination with local law enforcement agencies for effective monitoring of railway operations and passenger safety.
