The Hindu : National : RPF to be strengthened

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 08, 2006

National

National

RPF to be strengthened

Staff Reporter

BHUBANESWAR: In the wake of the Mumbai train blasts, the Centre has decided to recruit 40,000 jawans in the Railway Protection Force to strengthen security in the country's railways, K.C. Jena, Member (Staff), Railway Board, said here on Monday.

Addressing presspersons at the East Coast Railway headquarters here, Mr. Jena said the recruitment process would be completed within two years. The RPF has a strength of 74,000 jawans.

Mr. Jena said the authorities in New Delhi recently wrote to the General Managers of all the Zonal Railways to identify the sensitive railway stations. The General Managers were asked to send their reports giving details of the security measures required to ensure safety, he said.

The railway authorities were stressing coordination with different State Governments and other agencies to gather intelligence about possible attacks at railways stations or on moving trains.

Closed circuit televisions were being installed at major railway stations, and various suggestions, including restricting entry into the railways stations, being considered to prevent trouble, Mr. Jena said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National