Rail minister calls for amendment in law to ensure seamless policing

NEW DELHI: Noting that there are issues which stand in the way of providing 'seamless security' to passengers, railway minister Suresh Prabhu today strongly advocated an amendment in the law to ensure better policing of railway premises although such a move is being opposed by the states.

Referring to the involvement of multiple agencies in providing railway security, he said with GRP, RPF and state police involved in securing rail premises, there is a need for achieving seamless security.

"I have written to all the chief ministers to take up the issue for providing seamless security. We have to address the issue," Prabhu said at a conference here on railway security.

"GRP, RPF and state police are three different organisations. While state police will remain with the states, at least GRP and RPF, with the amendment of the law, can be made to ensure seamless policing," he said.

The proposed amendment to the RPF Act, 1957, aims to empower the force to lodge FIRs for crimes committed at railway stations and on trains.

However, the proposed move is being opposed by many states as they feel it is against the federal framework since it would take away from their role in maintaining law and order.

Law and order is a state subject in the federal structure and Prabhu said, "That is why I have written to all chief ministers seeking their consent. We need an amendment to the law to lodge FIR on running trains."

Expressing concern over crime on rail premises, particularly involving women passengers, he said security personnel need to be sensitised about crimes against women.

Policing in railways is a "difficult task" and there is a need for "better policing" on the public transporter, Prabhu said at the conference which was attended by senior railway officials and state police officials from across the country.

The railway minister emphasised that safety and security are two important issues for railways and need attention.

Highlighting the attack on trains and difficulties in executing rail infrastructure projects in Naxal-affected areas, he said, "There is a requirement for a geared-up police, specially-trained to face such situations."

He also said there is a plan to set up a separate women's wing of RPF.

"We are planning to form Mahila Vahini to be deployed in ladies' compartment and for this we are taking up the issue with Finance Ministry," Prabhu said.

Railways is also planning to install CCTV in ladies' compartments. "There are some issues of privacy in compartments for installing CCTV. It can be installed in the aisles also," he said.

The railway minister also called for the sharing of intelligence reports, profiling of criminals and maintaining of their forensic records for effective policing.

Railway Board Chairman AK Mittal said passengers, especially women, do not feel safe travelling on trains due to the prevailing situation.