The Hindu : National : A slew of measures to strengthen security

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 27, 2007
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National

National

A slew of measures to strengthen security

Special Correspondent

CCTVs and smart video cameras at important railway stations

NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Monday announced a slew of security measures, including strengthening of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), installation of CCTVs and smart video cameras at important railway stations, induction of dog squads to detect explosives, and consultation with security experts to make train travel safe and sound.

The announcement comes in the wake of the explosions on the Samjhauta Express that claimed 68 lives. Presenting the Railway Budget in Parliament, Mr. Prasad said in view of the February 18 bomb blasts on the Delhi-Atari Link Express and serial explosions on Mumbai suburban trains last July, the Railways have taken several steps.

Besides increasing the strength of the existing dog squads in many sensitive divisions, explosive detection devices, door frames and hand-held metal detectors are being installed.

Mr. Prasad said equipment such as CCTVs and smart video cameras have been installed at sensitive stations. An integrated extensive security and surveillance system was being developed for the Mumbai suburban services with high quality equipment. Training was being imparted to the Railway Protection Force to increase their professional expertise and efficiency.

As for the thrust on railway safety, Mr. Prasad said most of the works of renewal of over-aged tracks, bridges, track circuiting and rolling stock would be completed by March 2007 and the remaining works would be completed by March 2008.

He announced an allocation of Rs. 5,500 crore towards Depreciation Reserve Fund for 2007-08 compared to Rs. 2,100 crore in 2001-02. "This has had a direct impact on railways safety record," Mr. Prasad said, adding that although the gross traffic volume had increased from 724 million train km in 2001-02 to 825 million train km in 2005-06, the number of accidents is expected to be less than 200 in 2006-07 against 473 in 2001. With regard to the introduction of the much-awaited Anti-Collision Device, the Minister said as per the Corporate Safety Plan, the testing of the ACD on the Northeast Frontier Railway is in its last phase and is likely to be completed by March 2007.

He said General Managers of the Zonal Railways had been delegated the power to approve construction of subways costing up to Rs. 50 lakh, to reduce accidents at unmanned level crossings. Production of crash-worthy coaches has commenced, he said and announced that in future the number of such coaches would be increased.

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